Indian batter Mayank Agarwal expressed confidence in Virat Kohli’s ability to deliver in Australia, highlighting his impressive track record on Australian soil and praising his unmatched passion for the game. Agarwal believes Kohli will be at the forefront of India’s challenge against the Aussies.
Although Kohli has struggled with centuries, consistency, and runs in the longer format over recent years, including a challenging home Test season, this tour presents him with a chance to turn things around. His focus will not only be on scoring big but also on extending his legacy in Test cricket.
Speaking to ANI, Mayank said, "He is a champion player and has put in match-winning performances over the years. He thrives against Australia, in Australia. He is somebody who plays with that passion and get into that fight. This is the right place that will bring the best out of him. He will lead the fight against Australia with that passion."
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Between 2016 and 2019, Virat Kohli reached one of the highest peaks in Test cricket history, amassing 4,208 runs in 43 matches and 69 innings at an astonishing average of 66.79. During this period, he notched up 16 centuries and 10 half-centuries, including a record-setting seven double centuries—the most by any captain in Tests, a feat that remains unmatched.
However, a decade later, the narrative has shifted. In 2024, across 19 matches in all formats, Kohli has managed just 488 runs at an uncharacteristically low average of 20.33, with only two half-centuries in 25 innings and a top score of 76.
Since 2020, his struggles in Test cricket have been evident. Over 34 matches, he has accumulated 1,838 runs at an average of 31.68, with only two centuries and nine half-centuries to his name.
His form during this year’s home Test season was particularly concerning. Against Bangladesh and New Zealand, Kohli scored just 192 runs in 10 innings, averaging 21.33 with a single fifty. This decline has also seen him slip out of the ICC Men's Test Batting Rankings top 20 for the first time in a decade.
