Virat Kohli has struggled to dominate in Test cricket in recent times, recording his lowest batting average among Indian cricket legends during the past 40 matches.
The 35-year-old managed just one century in the recent five-match red-ball series against Australia, falling short of 200 runs in any of the innings. His only century came in the second innings of the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Throughout the series, Kohli was dismissed behind the stumps eight times and failed to find his rhythm against the Australian pacers. His ongoing issues with the off-stump deliveries continue to haunt him, raising concerns over his place in the Test squad.
With India’s next Test series set in England, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee may take a firm stance on non-performers.
Kohli’s batting average has dropped to 32.29 in his last 40 Tests, a stark contrast to his past performances. This is the lowest average among India’s cricketing legends during similar stretches in their careers.
For comparison, Cheteshwar Pujara averages 33.30, Sourav Ganguly 34.38, and Rahul Dravid 38.68 over their last 40 Test matches.
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Kohli also missed five Tests against England last year and struggled against Bangladesh and New Zealand at home. With such lean form, his future in the Test team remains uncertain.
Indian batters with lowest batting average in 40 Tests:
- 32.29 – Virat Kohli
- 33.30 – Cheteshwar Pujara
- 34.38 – Sourav Ganguly
- 35.68 – Dilip Vengsarkar
- 36.43 – Mohammad Azharuddin
- 38.68 – Rahul Dravid
- 39.64 – Gundappa Viswanath
- 39.96 – VVS Laxman
- 42.00 – Sunil Gavaskar
- 42.96 – Sachin Tendulkar
- 45.26 – Virender Sehwag
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