Kohli Readies Himself for a High-Pressure Series in South Africa
The Indian Test captain is already on the ground in South Africa for the start of the series, beginning with the Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion. He enters this highly anticipated tournament under a microscope, with critics questioning both his captaincy and his recent struggle to score runs.South Africa as the action kicks off with the Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Virat Kohli heads into this high-profile series under intense scrutiny — both over his captaincy and his recent dip in batting form.
There is growing concern over Kohli's batting, as his Test average has dipped below 20 in recent matches—a troubling decline for one of the greatest players of the current era.Test average falling below 20 in recent outings — a worrying trend for one of the most accomplished batters in the modern era.
Breaking the Century Drought
Despite being third on the all-time list for international centuries with 70—just behind Sachin Tendulkar (100) and Ricky Ponting (71)—Kohli has failed to score a Test hundred for over two years.Sachin Tendulkar (100) and Ricky Ponting (71) — Kohli has not scored a Test century in over two years.
His most recent Test century, a score of 136 against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens in November 2019, is also the last time he's hit a century in any format of the game. He has now gone 23 consecutive Test innings without reaching a century.Bangladesh at Eden Gardens in November 2019, which also happens to be his most recent century across all formats. Since then, Kohli has gone 23 Test innings without reaching the three-figure mark.
In 2020, he managed only 116 runs in 6 innings
In 2021, he has scored 483 runs in 17 innings
This slump is out of character for Kohli, and he'll be keen to find his rhythm again against a team he has historically performed very well against.
A Proven Track Record Against South Africa
One of the most positive signs heading into this series is Kohli's historical success against South African bowlers. Over 20 innings, he has amassed 1,075 runs with a strong average of 59.72, featuring:South Africa is one of the few shining lights heading into the series. In 20 innings, he has scored 1075 runs at an impressive average of 59.72, including:
3 centuries
3 fifties
Even playing away from home in South Africa, Kohli has been outstanding, racking up 558 runs across 10 innings, including:558 runs in 10 innings with:
2 centuries
2 fifties
These statistics suggest that the conditions in South Africa could be exactly what Kohli needs to find his scoring touch again.
A New Chapter with Fewer Burdens
Kohli is approaching this series with a fresh perspective. With various distractions off the field and shifts in the team's leadership, the cricket legend is focusing on leading by example and letting his performance on the pitch speak for itself.modern-day great looks to lead by example and let his bat do the talking.
With a potential shift in pressure and a strong drive to prove his critics wrong, Kohli is looking to move past his struggles and start a fresh chapter in his legendary career.less pressure on his shoulders and a desire to silence critics, Kohli will be looking to turn the page and begin a new chapter in his already illustrious career.