Virat Kohli's Lean Patch Continues, Parthiv Patel Defends Underfire Batter

Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, continues to endure a prolonged lean patch in international cricket. His recent performances in the first Test against Bangladesh, where he managed scores of 6 and 17, have further fueled concerns about his form.

Kohli's struggles have drawn criticism from some quarters, but former India opener Parthiv Patel has come to his defense. Patel believes that Kohli is facing immense pressure due to the high standards he has set for himself.

"I don't think he's feeling that kind of pressure. And as you rightly mentioned that. I don't think Smith or Joe Root or Williamson can even think of the type of pressure he must be feeling. The pressure of expectation, that is huge. He has set his standard so high that even if he scores 60 or 70, that comes across as a failure. Because every time he walks in, we expect him to score 100. We expect him to play with that kind of intensity, which he has always been playing," Patel said ahead of the second Test between India and Bangladesh.

Kohli's poor form has been evident 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. In Tests, his average has dropped to an eight-year low of 48.74.

Despite his recent struggles, Kohli remains one of the most prolific batsmen in the world. In 114 Tests, he has amassed 8,871 runs, including 29 centuries and 30 fifties. His ability to score runs consistently at the highest level is undeniable.

However, Kohli's current form has raised questions about his longevity in the game. At 34 years old, he is entering the twilight of his career. It remains to be seen whether he can rediscover his old form and continue to dominate international cricket.

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