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Numbers Don't Lie! Virat Kohli Should Retire From Test Cricket ASAP After Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Virat Kohli Batting In Test Cricket [Source: @BCCI/x.com]Virat Kohli Batting In Test Cricket [Source: @BCCI/x.com]

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Virat Kohli has been one of the most prolific run scorers in Indian cricket after the Sachin Tendulkar era. He has achieved feats and won matches for India, which are beyond imagination for many. When we see the top-century scorers list in international cricket, Kohli’s (80) name comes second to that of the great Sachin Tendulkar (100).

Despite his achievements, brilliance, and greatness, Kohli’s recent form, especially in Test cricket, has been a cause of worry for India. At one stage, he was pitched to finish his career as the best batter of all time in all the formats. But his waning form has put him behind even in contemporary cricket. 

With India’s tough assignment in Australia up next, Kohli’s whole fandom expects him to revive his form. But what if his lean phase continues in the purest format of the game? Should Virat Kohli retire from Test cricket if he fails in the upcoming BGT and India fails to make it to the final of WTC?

Let us try and analyse these questions. 

Dip In Kohli’s Test Form

Virat Kohli had a golden time in Test cricket from 2016-2019. During these four years, the Indian maverick was scoring runs for fun. However, since 2019, his graph has been on a constant decline.

Virat's Kohli Yearly Test Average Graph [Courtesy: Datawrapper]Virat's Kohli Yearly Test Average Graph [Courtesy: Datawrapper]

Kohli finished 2019 with a Test average of 54.98. Given his batting, fans predicted he would soon reach the higher 50s or 60s. But since then, his lean phase has brought down his Test average to 47.83.

Virat Kohli's Test Average In Each Calendar Year [Courtesy: Datawrapper]Virat Kohli's Test Average In Each Calendar Year [Courtesy: Datawrapper]

From 2016-2019, Kohli averaged more than 55 each year in Tests. However, since 2019, his average has been over 30, only once in 2023.

Although it is a harsh claim, the stats show that the superstar is struggling to play the purest form of the game.

Technical Flaws

Kohli’s weakness against the pacers outside the off-stump line was spotted in the early days. However, he overcame that flaw with sheer determination and hard work and scored tons of runs. But in recent times, the same problem has come back to haunt him. Besides, recently, Kohli has started to struggle against spinners. He has looked at sea when the ball turns away, and his defence has not looked strong enough. 

Best Format

Virat Kohli in ODIs is still important for India [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]Virat Kohli in ODIs is still important for India [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]

Although he is struggling in the Tests, Kohli is still a force to reckon with in the ODIs. From the very beginning of his career, he has been a master of this format. He enjoys batting in the format and likes the challenges that it presents. In fact, his style of batting is best suited for the ODIs. India as a team still needs Kohli’s expertise in the ODIs. Hence, his concentration on ODIs and thus stretching his career till the 2027 ODI World Cup could be the best thing that happens for him, India, and the millions of fans supporting the maverick.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli has enjoyed playing in Australia throughout his career. So, in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy, he might turn things around and shut his critics temporarily. However, the flaws and lack of determination for Test cricket that has been spotted in him will come to haunt him sooner rather than later. Hence, it is probably time for the legend to bid adieu to Test cricket and make way for the future generation of stars to take over.