Virat Kohli's Form Slump Hurts Team India's Australia Hopes

Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain and batting mainstay, has been enduring a prolonged slump in form, casting a shadow over Team India's aspirations. In 2024, Kohli has managed only two international half-centuries, with his struggles against spinners becoming increasingly evident.

During the recent Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, Kohli's troubles against spin intensified. In the two Tests against Bangladesh, he scored 99 runs at an average of 33.00, with a highest of 47. Against New Zealand, his bat failed to make an impact in six innings, except for one where he scored 70. His overall tally against the Kiwis was a meager 93 runs at an average of 15.50.

As India prepares for the first Test in Perth on November 22, Kohli will be desperate to rediscover his form. He has played two Tests in Perth previously, scoring 44 and 75 in 2012 and a magnificent 123 in 2018. That century at the Optus Stadium was his 25th in Tests, making him the second-fastest to reach the milestone after Sir Don Bradman.

Kohli's 123 in Perth was a display of batting mastery. He arrived at the crease with India in trouble at 8/2, but played a superb innings to guide his team to a respectable total. His celebration, pointing to his bat and motioning that it would do the talking, became an iconic moment.

However, India lost that Test by 146 runs, and Kohli's form has continued to be a concern. With India needing to win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final, Kohli's return to form is crucial.

Despite speculation that the Australia tour could be Kohli's last in Tests, the 36-year-old remains focused on rediscovering his red-ball prowess. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to India's chances of success Down Under.

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