Virat Kohli’s struggles with form continued in the first Test against Bangladesh, as the Indian batter failed to make a significant impact in either innings. In the first innings, Kohli chased an outside off stump delivery by Hasan Mahmud and was dismissed for 6. In the second innings, he fell victim to a wrong leg-before-wicket decision, which he chose not to review. Ultraedge later revealed that the bat had made contact with the ball, meaning Kohli would have been not out had he opted for a review.
Kohli’s poor form has been a concern for India across all formats this year. In 15 matches and 17 innings, he has scored just 319 runs at a sub-par average of 18.76, with only one half-century to his name. His best score of 76 came during the T20 World Cup final against South Africa.
In Tests, Kohli’s average has dropped to an eight-year low. In 114 Tests, he has scored 8,871 runs in 193 innings at an average of 48.74, with 29 centuries and 30 fifties. The last time his average was lower than this was during November 2016, when he averaged 48.28.
The period of 2020s has not been kind to Kohli in white colours. In 30 Tests played since the start of 2020, he has scored just 1,669 runs at an average of just 32.72, with just two centuries and eight fifties in 52 innings. His best score is 186.
In five Tests and eight innings during the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, Kohli has scored 392 runs at an average of 49.00, with a century and two fifties. His best score is 121. India will need Kohli to fire in coming matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia if they are to secure their maiden WTC title.
