Time and age are two inevitable truths of life. The bat that once roared like thunder gradually falls silent over time. Virat Kohli’s 2024 serves as a harsh reflection of this reality. The bat that struck fear into opponents for over a decade now bears the weight of accumulated dust, symbolizing his waning form.
This year, Kohli has managed only 180 runs in 10 T20Is at an average of 18. The situation appears even worse in ODIs, where he has scored just 58 runs in three matches at an average of 19.33, with a highest score of 24.
Even in Test cricket, his favourite format, the old magic seems to be fading. Kohli has scored 373 runs in 16 innings at an average of 26.64. While he has managed to register a century, it feels more like the last sparkle of a rusty sword.
The way the Indian superstar bats in Australia resembles that of a lion king who has lost sight of its prey. Every time he tries to hit the ball outside the off-stump, he gets caught out. What once seemed like a skilful move has now turned into an art of getting dismissed. The ‘king of cover drives’ now stands with a much weaker stance. The bat that once made history seems to have forgotten how to score runs. Critics are questioning whether Kohli’s chapter is over and if he has become a burden to the team.
A Century Drought
It’s not just a failure today. Kohli has been in a century drought since 2021. Scoring runs has now become as difficult as climbing a mountain for him. While he occasionally scores some runs on batting-friendly wickets, the old ‘King Kohli’ is nowhere to be seen.
One Last Chance in Sydney
Despite his struggles, Kohli is not without hope. In his first innings in Melbourne, he looked solid, but as soon as he made a mistake, he was out. Now, as India travels to Sydney for a crucial Test match, Kohli has a final chance to redeem himself. India has the opportunity to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and Kohli can take inspiration from his childhood hero, Sachin Tendulkar. In 2004, Tendulkar avoided expansive shots when they were a weakness. Kohli, too, needs to resist playing the cover drive and focus on solid, disciplined batting.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in this BGT.
– Tough to see them going through such a patch. 💔 pic.twitter.com/mxCsvMqvsJ
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 30, 2024
A Moment of Truth for Kohli
Sydney presents a critical opportunity for Kohli to rein in his game and help his team. He still has the fitness and skills, but the question is whether he has the mental strength and discipline to make the comeback. For now, Australia seems to have the upper hand.
The Shadow of Tendulkar’s Comeback
In January 2004, Tendulkar was coming off his worst year, averaging just 17 from nine Test innings. Kohli’s 2024 has been similarly difficult, averaging 24.52. However, Tendulkar’s self-discipline in Sydney laid the foundation for a remarkable 2004, where he scored three Test centuries and averaged 91.50. Kohli must show similar restraint to turn his career around.
A Comeback or the End?
Kohli has always been a story of comebacks. He has risen from the ruins many times like a phoenix. But now, the question remains: will he rise again, or is this truly the end of his journey? Even a tiger grows old with time, but when it roars, the jungle trembles. Will Kohli regain his kingdom, or will his legacy fade away with time? The answer lies with time itself, and the cricket world is waiting.