Kapil Dev: Virat Kohli’s comeback depends on him

Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev believes that Virat Kohli has the ability to overcome his ongoing lean patch, but the timing of his comeback depends entirely on Kohli’s determination and resilience. As India battles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and aims for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, Kohli’s form remains a critical talking point.

“Virat Kohli is one of the best cricketers we have seen in our country. If you put top four batsmen, he will be there. If he is going through a rough time, it is only up to him how fast he can bounce back,” Kapil said during an interaction with reporters on Monday.

Kohli, known as the ‘Chase Master’ for his hunger for runs, has struggled to find consistency in 2024. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, such as his century in the Perth Test earlier in the BGT series, his performances have often been overshadowed by disappointing scores.

In 2024, Kohli has accumulated 373 runs in Test cricket, averaging a modest 26.64 with one century and one half-century. His standout century in Perth, which marked his 81st international ton, seemed to signal a return to form. However, his struggles resurfaced in the subsequent matches, with scores of 7 and 11 in Adelaide.

Across all formats, Kohli’s struggles have been evident. In 21 matches this year, he has scored 611 runs at an average of just 22.62, with only one century and two fifties to his name.

Amidst this challenging year, Kohli has managed to produce a few moments of brilliance. His match-saving 76 in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, a gritty 70 in the second innings against New Zealand, and the unbeaten 100 in Perth during the BGT series showcased glimpses of his talent and determination.