Virat Kohli, once a dominant force in Test cricket, is currently facing significant challenges that have seen him fall behind his contemporaries in the elite “Fab Four” group, which includes Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson.
This article delves into Kohli’s performance since 2021, highlighting his struggles and comparing them with his peers.
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Kohli’s Performance Before 2021
Until the end of 2020, Kohli had established himself as one of the leading batsmen in Test cricket. He played 87 matches, scoring 7,318 runs at an impressive average of 53.41, including 27 centuries and 23 fifties.
His consistency placed him at the forefront of the Fab Four alongside Steve Smith, who averaged 61.33, and Kane Williamson, who maintained an average of 52.90.
Decline Since 2021
A Dismal Average
Since January 2021, Kohli’s performance has sharply declined. He has participated in 26 matches, accumulating only 1,530 runs at a disappointing average of 35.38. This period has seen him score just two centuries and seven fifties from 44 innings, along with notable struggles against both spin and pace bowlers.
Struggles Against Spin
Virat Kohli’s difficulties against spin have been particularly alarming. He has faced spinners in 30 innings, scoring only 653 runs at an average of 32.65. He has been dismissed by spinners 20 times, indicating a vulnerability that was less pronounced earlier in his career.
Comparisons with Peers
In stark contrast, Joe Root has flourished during this period. He played 49 matches, scoring 4,579 runs at an average of 55.84, including 17 centuries. Root’s resurgence can be attributed to his aggressive batting style and adaptability to different conditions, particularly influenced by the “Bazball” approach under coach Brendon McCullum.
Kane Williamson has also excelled despite playing fewer matches (18), scoring 1,866 runs at a remarkable average of 64.34, with nine centuries to his name. Meanwhile, Steve Smith has maintained his status with 2,448 runs from 34 matches at an average of 47.07, including six centuries.
Current Standing Among the Fab Four
As of now, Kohli ranks last among the Fab Four in terms of both average and centuries scored since 2021:
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries |
| Joe Root | 49 | 4,579 | 55.84 | 17 |
| Kane Williamson | 18 | 1,866 | 64.34 | 9 |
| Steve Smith | 34 | 2,448 | 47.07 | 6 |
| Virat Kohli | 26 | 1,530 | 35.38 | 2 |
Kohli’s total Test centuries now stand at 29, compared to Root’s impressive tally of 34 and Williamson’s 32.
The Road Ahead
With a busy schedule ahead for India including series against Bangladesh and New Zealand Kohli has a crucial opportunity to reclaim his form and position among the elite batsmen in Test cricket. The upcoming matches will be vital for him to demonstrate his ability to adapt and overcome recent challenges.
Kohli’s journey from being a top performer to struggling significantly highlights the competitive nature of cricket and the importance of consistency at the highest level. As he prepares for these upcoming Tests, fans will be keenly watching to see if he can rediscover the form that once made him a standout player in world cricket.
Conclusion
while Kohli remains a formidable player with immense talent, his recent performances indicate a need for revitalization if he hopes to regain his status among the Fab Four in Test cricket.
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