# Virat Kohli and the Illusion of Slow Starter Criticism in Tests

URL: https://technosports.co.in/virat-kohli-slow-starter-criticism/  
Published: 2026-07-30  
Updated: 2026-07-30  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

**[Stat/Verdict]** Virat Kohli’s Test batting average dropped from the 50s to 48.13 during a period of intense criticism regarding his early-innings approach.

In Test cricket, match momentum can change on tiny details. Yet, discussions often focus on superficial labels rather than the technical aspects. Virat Kohli faced the tag of being a “slow starter” during a tough series against Australia, where analysts questioned his early-innings mindset.

When we dig into the numbers, we see a big gap between the external panic and what actually happens at the crease. Top batsmen often face heavy scrutiny when their stats dip, especially during aggressive bowling spells.

The talk around [Kohli](https://technosports.co.in/virat-kohli-test-anchoring/)‘s supposed struggles hit a peak during a dramatic Australian tour. Critics claimed his usual fluidity had disappeared. In the Adelaide pink-ball Test, Kohli was out for just 7 runs off 8 balls in the first innings, which ramped up the criticism coming from fans and media alike.

A follow-up report on that Australia series confirmed he scored 7 and 11 in Adelaide, both times getting caught behind, as India lost that Test by 10 wickets. Those low scores fueled claims that he was no longer a smooth early starter.

![Virat Kohli](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/virtatttf-1024x697.avif)

| Innings / Match Context | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Dismissal Mode |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Adelaide Test (1st Innings) | **7** | **8** | Caught Behind |
| Adelaide Test (2nd Innings) | **11** | unconfirmed | Caught Behind |
| Third Test (1st Innings) | **22** | unconfirmed | unconfirmed |
| Third Test (2nd Innings) | **13** | unconfirmed | unconfirmed |

A look at the stats from that series shows that the uproar missed Kohli’s ability to tough it out during challenging phases. One analysis noted Kohli’s highest score in that series was 44, made in the first innings of the third Test. For more detail, check out [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.com/sport).

Another report pointed out he scored 22 and 13 in that same third Test, totaling 111 runs across three [Tests](https://technosports.co.in/virat-kohli-test-mastery/) up to that point. While those numbers were below his usual standard, they showed a player trying to adjust to fierce bowling rather than experiencing a total technical breakdown.

Experts quickly weighed in on whether his mindset or technique caused the dip in performance. Matthew Hayden mentioned that there was nothing fundamentally wrong with [Kohli](https://technosports.co.in/virat-kohli-powerplay-pressure/)’s technique and argued that the issue was more mental.

On the other hand, Sanjay Manjrekar noted that Kohli’s average dropped from the 50s to 48.13, citing his vulnerability outside the off stump and a hesitance to adapt his approach. Ian Chappell suggested Kohli needed to find more consistency before India’s England tour in July, criticizing what he called pointless antics. For more detail, see [BBC Sport Cricket](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket).

Looking at these differing viewpoints requires some careful thought.

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## FAQs

### Why was Virat Kohli criticized as a slow starter in Tests?

Critics pointed to his low scores and cautious early-innings leaves during the Australian series, suggesting his mindset shifted away from fluent strokeplay.

### What were Kohli’s scores in the Adelaide pink-ball Test?

Kohli scored 7 runs off 8 balls in the first innings and 11 runs in the second innings, both times getting caught behind.

### How did former players assess Kohli’s technical form?

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden noted that there wasn’t anything majorly wrong technically, suggesting the real issue was mental.

### What did Sanjay Manjrekar say about Kohli’s batting average?

Sanjay Manjrekar pointed out that Kohli’s average had slipped from the 50s to 48.13 due to vulnerability outside the off stump and a lack of adaptability.