Virat Kohli, one of the finest modern-day cricketers, has long been celebrated for his adaptability and mastery over various bowling styles. However, recent performances, especially against spin, have raised concerns.
With just 137 runs in six ODI innings since the 2023 World Cup and a notable struggle against spinners, many are questioning what’s going wrong. Former India captain Anil Kumble and ex-batter Sanjay Manjrekar have weighed in, shedding light on Kohli’s lean patch.
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Pressure of Expectations and Overcompensation
Anil Kumble believes Kohli’s main obstacle stems from internal and external pressures. “I feel he’s trying a bit too hard,” Kumble remarked on ESPNcricinfo Match Day. High expectations have forced Kohli to place undue importance on every innings. This mental burden, Kumble suggests, prevents him from playing with the freedom that characterized his best performances.
“The best innings that I am sure he’s played, he’s not even thinking about all of that,” Kumble explained.
Instead of focusing on natural gameplay, Kohli appears to be overthinking, which has impacted his shot selection and confidence at the crease.
Struggles Against Spin: A Growing Concern
A glaring issue has been Kohli’s vulnerability to spin, especially legspin. His last six dismissals have come against spinners, highlighting a recurring pattern. In India’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh, Kohli managed just 22 off 38 deliveries before falling to Rishad Hossain’s leg-spin.
“To start off against spin, on surfaces like that, you need a lot of confidence. He’s certainly trying too hard to manoeuvre that,” Kumble noted.
Historically, Kohli’s strength lay in rotating the strike and finding gaps effortlessly. Now, there’s a noticeable shift—he seems intent on scoring boundaries instead of patiently working singles. This aggressive approach has made him susceptible to getting caught at the crease, particularly on slower, turning tracks.
Confidence Crisis and Age Factor
Sanjay Manjrekar points to diminishing confidence as another culprit. Since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Kohli’s form has been patchy, with just one century in Perth followed by a string of low scores.
“He’s in a tight corner… his confidence is still down,” Manjrekar observed.
Manjrekar also touched upon the inevitable influence of age, suggesting that timing and quick reflexes may be waning. “As you start ageing, your luck also starts running out,” he added, highlighting how luck and form often intertwine in a player’s twilight years.
Changing Game Dynamics: Lack of Big Shots
Unlike teammates Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Kohli isn’t taking on spinners with the same audacity. Manjrekar emphasized Kohli’s declining ability to clear boundaries at will.
“Virat Kohli doesn’t have the big game anymore… he can’t hit at will like a Shubman Gill does,” he said.
This limitation has emboldened spinners, who now bowl aggressively, knowing Kohli is less likely to counterattack. Without the fear of big hits, bowlers have found more freedom to target him with variations, further complicating his plight.
Pitch Conditions: Adding to the Woes
Conditions haven’t favored Kohli either. Manjrekar pointed out the challenges of playing on slow, turning pitches, which have historically been tricky for stroke players.
“What kind of a surface is he going to get for the next two matches? Slow, turning pitches. So it’s not helping his cause either,” Manjrekar explained.
Such surfaces demand patience and technical precision—traits Kohli possesses but seems to be overcompensating for in an attempt to break his poor run.
Mental Fortitude: The Path Forward
Both Kumble and Manjrekar agree on one solution—Kohli needs to relax and focus on his strengths. Kumble advised a back-to-basics approach, emphasizing the importance of not overburdening oneself with expectations.
“He just needs to come in and not worry about anything else,” Kumble urged.
If Kohli can rediscover the art of strike rotation and patiently build his innings, the runs will follow. The key lies in embracing his natural game rather than forcing quick runs.
Virat Kohli’s struggle against spin is a complex mix of mental pressure, technical adjustments, and changing physical dynamics. While recent numbers are far from his lofty standards, dismissing him would be premature. Great players often face dips in form, but what defines them is their ability to adapt and bounce back. Kohli’s journey back to form may be challenging, but with minor tweaks and renewed self-belief, he could silence his critics once again.
If he manages to find that lost rhythm, fans might witness yet another remarkable comeback from a player who has built his career on resilience and hunger for runs.
FAQs
Why is Virat Kohli struggling against spin bowlers recently?
Kohli has been dismissed by spin in his last six innings, with experts like Anil Kumble suggesting he is “trying too hard” and putting undue pressure on himself.
What did Anil Kumble say about Kohli’s recent batting approach?
Kumble noted that Kohli should relax and focus on his natural game, emphasizing strike rotation rather than forcing big shots.
How has Kohli performed since the 2023 World Cup?
Kohli has scored just 137 runs in six ODI innings post the World Cup, with only one fifty during this period.
What concerns did Sanjay Manjrekar raise about Kohli’s form?
Manjrekar highlighted Kohli’s declining confidence and suggested that he lacks the big-hitting prowess seen in players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Can Virat Kohli bounce back from this rough patch?
Both Kumble and Manjrekar believe Kohli’s return to form hinges on relaxing under pressure and adapting better to spin-friendly conditions.
