Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain and batting maestro, has been facing a prolonged slump in form, raising concerns about his aura and impact on the opposition. Former India batsman Akaash Chopra believes that Kohli no longer possesses the intimidating presence that once characterized the likes of Vivian Richards and Sachin Tendulkar.
Kohli’s struggles have been evident in recent Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, where he managed only 99 runs in four innings and 93 runs in six innings, respectively. His overall record in the last 10 Test innings stands at a meager one fifty.
Chopra attributes Kohli’s decline to a combination of factors, including technical flaws and a lack of confidence. He points out that Kohli’s body language and the reactions of opposing teams suggest that he is no longer the feared batsman he once was.
“Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, or Sir Vivian Richards, these players have an aura that once they come to bat, they would dictate,” Chopra said. “That sort of aura used to be there when Kohli used to come in. When Kohli comes in now, it seems like he can be dismissed without any issues.”
Chopra also highlights Kohli’s repeated errors in judgment, such as missing full tosses and taking unnecessary risks. He believes that these mistakes indicate a lack of focus and concentration.
Despite his struggles, Kohli remains a key player for India, and his half-century in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa earlier this year was a reminder of his class. However, Chopra warns that Kohli’s overall performance in 2023 has been disappointing, and he needs to rediscover his form to regain his status as one of the world’s best batsmen.
