Virat KohliOne of the greatest icons of Indian cricket, he experienced contrasting fortunes in international cricket during 2023 and 2024. While 2023 was a year of dominance and brilliance, 2024 saw a significant drop in his performance, sparking discussions about his form. and its future.
2023: one year of master’s degree
Kohli was at the peak of his powers in 2023, playing 35 matches and scoring a mammoth 2,048 runs in 36 innings. With an incredible average of 66.06 and a strike rate of 78.31, Kohli cemented his status as a modern-day great. His batting prowess was highlighted by 8 centuries and 10 half-centuries, including a top score of 186. Remarkably consistent, he recorded just one duck throughout the year, demonstrating his ability to deliver under pressure.
2024: a year of struggle
In stark contrast, in 2024 Kohli struggled with form and consistency. Playing 23 matches and batting in 32 innings, he managed only 655 runs at a modest average of 21.83. His strike rate also dropped slightly to 73.34, indicating struggles against bowlers in different formats. Kohli could only muster 1 century and 2 half-centuries a year, with a top score of 100 not out of the question. To compound his woes, he recorded 4 ducks, a rare occurrence for the batting maestro.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Michael Vaughan reveals his Australia-India combined XI after BGT 2024-25
A comparison of form and impact
The stark difference between the two years has been the subject of much debate among fans and experts. In 2023, Kohli was the backbone of India’s batting line-up and often carried the team on his shoulders with big scores and match-winning performances. His ability to turn starts into big innings was unmatched, making him one of the most feared batsmen in the world.
On the contrary, 2024 has been a challenging period for Kohli. With fewer impactful innings and a notable struggle to adapt to the conditions and bowling attacks, his form has come under scrutiny. The decline of centuries and the rise of low scores highlight the need for introspection and adjustment.
While Kohli’s drop in form in 2024 is worrying, his career has shown time and again that he thrives under pressure. As one of the most determined cricketers of his era, fans and critics alike will be eager to see how the Delhi lad bounces back in the upcoming matches. With India’s cricket calendar packed with high-profile series and tournaments, Kohli’s resurgence could prove crucial to the team’s success.