Shastri Defends Kohli Amid Form Slump : “Same Thing Happened With Tendulkar, Ponting”
Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest modern cricketers, is in a bad form slump. The 36-year-old’s batting struggles were clear in the recent Border-Gavaskar Series against Australia. He scored only 190 runs in nine innings, with an average of 23.75.
As Kohli’s decline becomes clear, debates about his spot in India’s Test side have grown. However, former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has defended Kohli. He compared his dip in form to the struggles of legends Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting late in their careers.
Kohli’s Form Dip: Border-Gavaskar Series in Numbers
Kohli’s performance in the series against Australia raised significant concerns:
- Runs Scored: 190 runs in 9 innings.
- Batting Average: A disappointing 23.75.
- Highlight: A lone century in the Perth Test, overshadowed by a string of low scores.
This decline isn’t new for Kohli in red-ball cricket. Prior to the series, he managed just 93 runs across three Tests, averaging a mere 15.50.
Ravi Shastri: Kohli’s Struggles Mirror Tendulkar and Ponting
In an ICC interview, Ravi Shastri addressed the chatter about Kohli’s decline. He noted that even cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting had career rough patches.
“The same thing happened with Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. I think Virat Kohli had to play a similar role to Ricky Ponting. If you look at his last couple of years also, he himself would say he was not at his Best. But he was playing well enough & wanted to contribute for the team,” said Shastri.
Shastri also noted that, despite not being at his peak, Kohli has contributed in key moments. His century in the Perth Test, for instance, showed his class. But, a series of failures followed.
Retirement Rumors: Kohli’s Focus on the Long Term
After his poor play in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, rumors of Kohli’s retirement have grown. A PTI report says the veteran batter is not considering retirement at this stage.
Instead, Kohli has his eyes set on the future. The 36-year-old wants to play in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. He is committed to helping Indian cricket. Kohli is also expected to play in the five-Test series against England, which begins in June.
The Road Ahead: Can Kohli Rebound?
Some still question his place on the team. But, his record and resilience suggest he may have more to offer. The selectors must weigh his experience against the need for fresh talent. India is building for future challenges, including the ICC events in 2025 and 2027.
Kohli’s next chance to silence his critics is the England Test series. His form will be under the microscope again.
Virat Kohli’s decline is clear. Ravi Shastri’s defense reminds us that cricket careers are cyclical. As Kohli pushes forward, Indian cricket will watch closely. Fans hope for a resurgence from one of its greatest players.
