Virat Kohli, one of the most iconic figures in modern cricket, finds himself in an unprecedented slump, particularly in Test cricket’s first innings. The Indian stalwart, renowned for his prowess with the bat, has shockingly recorded an average of just 7.00 in first innings since 2024.
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Virat Kohli : Virat Kohli’s First Innings Woes: A Historic Low in Test Cricket as Jasprit Bumrah Outshines the King
Kohli’s Decline: A Harsh Reality
The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 has been a particularly trying series for Kohli. In the fifth and final Test at Sydney, Kohli managed a mere 17 runs before falling prey to Scott Boland, once again undone by a delivery outside the off stump. His dismissal marked the 22nd instance since 2021 that he has been caught off deliveries in that danger zone, underscoring a persistent flaw in his technique.
This recent failure is part of a troubling trend for Kohli, whose first innings batting average since 2024 has nosedived to 7.00, the second lowest among batters who have played at least five innings in this period.
Bumrah’s Surprise Lead Over Kohli
To put things into perspective, Jasprit Bumrah, primarily known for his lethal bowling, has a better first innings batting average of 10.00 since 2024. While Bumrah’s contributions with the bat have been occasional bonuses, Kohli’s prolonged struggles at the crease are a stark departure from his former dominance.
First Innings Averages in Test Cricket Since 2024
Here’s a look at some of the lowest first innings averages among players with a minimum of five innings:
- Keshav Maharaj (South Africa): 5.40
- Virat Kohli (India): 7.00
- Shoaib Bashir (England): 8.33
- Nishantha Perera Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka): 9.75
- Jasprit Bumrah (India): 10.00
This statistic alone paints a grim picture for Kohli, who is widely regarded as one of India’s greatest batters.
The Root Causes of Kohli’s Struggles
Since the start of 2024, Kohli’s form has been plagued by technical vulnerabilities and lapses in concentration, especially when facing deliveries outside the off stump. His tendency to push at balls that move away has often resulted in edges to the slip cordon. In addition, Kohli has faced immense pressure to deliver as the team’s senior most batter, which might have contributed to his mental fatigue and waning form.
Rising Stars and Kohli’s Future
The Indian batting lineup has witnessed some promising performances from younger players during Kohli’s lean patch. Yashasvi Jaiswal, for instance, has been the second highest scorer in the Border-Gavaskar series, cementing his place as a future mainstay in the team. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul also remain in the mix, vying for leadership roles in the batting order.
While Kohli’s legacy remains intact, questions about his long term role in India’s Test setup are gaining momentum. Could his slump pave the way for fresh blood to take the reins?
Can Kohli Bounce Back?
For fans of Virat Kohli, the hope of a resurgence still burns bright. After all, this isn’t the first time the “King” has faced adversity in his career. Whether he can overcome this historic low and return to his former glory remains to be seen. One thing is certain Kohli’s current form demands reflection, adjustment, and unwavering determination.
As India gears up for its next set of challenges, the onus will be on Kohli to regain his rhythm and silence his critics. Until then, his fans and the cricketing world will watch closely, hoping for another chapter in the storied career of one of India’s finest cricketers.
FAQs
What is Virat Kohli’s first innings average in Test cricket since 2024?
Kohli’s first innings average since 2024 is just 7.00, one of the lowest among active players with at least five innings
How does Jasprit Bumrah’s first innings average compare to Kohli’s?
Jasprit Bumrah has a better first-innings batting average of 10.00 since 2024, surpassing Kohli
