IPL 2022 | He will find that switch: Shane Watson on Kohli's poor form

Former Australian all-rounder and Delhi Capitals assistant coach Shane Watson feels that Virat Kohli's energy is a 'bit off' this season.

Kohli is in the midst of a horrendous IPL season with the bat despite starting well with a couple of quick-fire 40s against Punjab Kings and the Mumbai Indians.

It has gone from bad to worse in the last two innings, where he has been dismissed for golden ducks, triggering a massive response from both his fans and critics.

Watson, who has played alongside Virat at RCB during 2016-17, feels that the usual infectious energy related to the legendary batter is missing this season, but he is confident that the 33-year-old will soon make a switch.

Speaking to the Grade Cricketer, Watson said, "In the last game, where Delhi Capitals played against them, there was something tiny bit different with Virat. Because I have seen him before, I have played against him and with him for a couple of years at RCB. It looked like his energy was a little bit different, a little bit off. 

The thing with Virat is that he is always so amped every time he goes out to bat, every time he is in the field. It is superhuman what he has been able to do so far and sustained for such a long period of time. He's a freak of nature with the intensities he's able to continue to keep up in his game."

It is fair to say that the past eight months have probably been the worst that Virat has experienced as an Indian cricketer.

The manner in which he was removed as captain of the ODI side following his resignation from the leadership duties of the T20I team and the subsequent relinquishing of the Test duties following a chastening series defeat in South Africa has hugely affected him, and that's the reason why he isn't able to perform like he used to, feels the former Australian cricketer.

"Whatever went on, there would have been a big call for him to step down as captain for India. So, at some stage, it will take a toll in a little way. The energy is a tiny bit off, but if he gets into a battle on the field, he'll find that energy straight away because that's the type of batsman and person he is. He's always up for a battle. So, he will find that switch; he'll find it," Watson added.

Kohli and his fans will hope that the champion batsman will shrug off his poor form in the upcoming games and revert back to his run-machine avatar.