Virat Kohli, often known as the modern-day great, has redefined the benchmarks of cricket with his exceptional skill, unwavering determination, and unparalleled passion for the game. Known for his aggressive batting style, Kohli has amassed runs across all formats of the game with remarkable consistency.
Kohli’s impact goes beyond just statistics; he is a role model for millions, admired for his fitness regimen, mental toughness, and ability to perform under pressure. Whether it’s chasing steep targets, anchoring innings, or setting the tone with his sharp fielding, Kohli embodies excellence in every facet of the game.
Virat Kohli’s batting is a masterclass in precision, power, and adaptability. Widely regarded as one of the best batsmen of his era, Kohli’s technique is rooted in classical cricketing principles, but his ability to innovate and dominate bowlers across formats sets him apart.
Here’s a list of the top three poorest Test series with the bat of Virat Kohli:
1: Australia in India, 2016/17
The 2016/17 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in India was one of Virat Kohli’s rare poor Test series, particularly on home soil. In 3 matches, he managed only 46 runs at a dismal average of 9.20, with a high score of 15. Kohli struggled against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, especially the spin duo of Nathan Lyon and Steve O’Keefe, who exploited the turning tracks expertly.
His aggressive approach to counterspin often backfired, leading to loose dismissals. Adding to the challenge was the immense pressure of captaining the side in a high-stakes series. Despite his struggles, India won the series 2-1, with other players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja stepping up. This series stands out as an anomaly in Kohli’s otherwise stellar Test career.
2: India in New Zealand, 2019/20
The 2019/20 Test series between India and New Zealand was another rare low point in Virat Kohli’s illustrious career. In the two-match series, Kohli scored just 38 runs across four innings at an average of 9.50, with a highest score of 19. On green, seaming tracks, Kohli struggled against the relentless pace attack of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Kyle Jamieson, who consistently exploited his vulnerability outside the off-stump.
His usual fluency was missing, and the series highlighted his difficulty in adapting to the challenging conditions. India suffered a 0-2 series defeat, and Kohli’s lack of form was a significant blow to the team’s batting strength. This series remains one of the few instances where Kohli’s dominance with the bat was neutralized effectively.
3: India in England, 2014
Kohli’s tour of England in 2014 is often cited as the most challenging phase of his career. James Anderson and the English seamers exploited his vulnerability outside the off-stump, repeatedly dismissing him caught behind or in the slips. His struggle on swinging tracks raised questions about his technique against lateral movement.
From 5 matches, Virat Kohli scored a total of 134 runs, with 39 runs as his highest. He played with an average and strike rate of 13.40 and 46.52, respectively.
