Virat Kohli’s Test Career: A legacy marked by brilliance and steep decline

As Virat Kohli approaches his 36th birthday, reflections on his storied career cast a complex picture. While he is celebrated as one of India’s greatest ODI players, his recent Test record raises questions about his legacy. Once seemingly destined for a place among cricket’s all-time Test greats, Kohli now appears set to fall just short of the highest ranks in this format.

Stumbling path to Test greatness

Virat Kohli’s Test journey has seen both unparalleled highs and recent lows. Despite approaching a potential finish among India’s top three run-scorers, the decline in his Test form has left fans wondering if he has slipped too far to reclaim his former status.

His record could place him above Sunil Gavaskar on India’s all-time runs chart, yet his current average of 48.07 is his lowest since 2016. As his performances waver, so too does his once near-certain place among the Test elite.

Recent years reflect downward Trend for Virat Kohli

A closer look at Virat Kohli’s Test statistics reveals a drastic contrast between his peak and present performance. During his best years, from 2016 to 2019, Kohli scored 11 Test centuries leading to Indian victories. However, it has been nearly five years since a Kohli century led India to a Test win, with his last match-winning century coming against Bangladesh in 2019. His current average, over seven runs lower than his 2019 peak of 55.10, now seems unlikely to recover to those heights.

Test numbers of Virat Kohli in context

At 48.07, Virat Kohli’s Test average ranks lower than 15 others who have scored more Test runs than him. Among this group, only Alastair Cook and Hashim Amla, both former stars, ended their careers with lower averages, though each enjoyed peaks over 50 at different times. Kohli’s away average of 42.37 also lags behind 24 players with comparable innings.

Compared to the all-time greats at his No. 4 position—Jacques Kallis, Sachin Tendulkar, and Mahela Jayawardene—Kohli’s average of 51.92 falls short. His innings-per-century ratio is notable but only just reaches the top half among leading Test batters.

Missed Milestones

In winning causes, Kohli’s average is around 51, compared to 60-plus averages of peers like Steve Waugh, Steve Smith, and Joe Root. Since the beginning of 2020, his Test numbers have worsened, with only two centuries in his last 59 innings and a disappointing average of 32.22. For players with as many innings, his average since 2020 is second-lowest, only ahead of Najmul Shanto.

The Inevitable Finish for Virat Kohli

Kohli’s remarkable achievements mean he is still on track to reach the 10,000-run mark, potentially end among the top 15 in all-time Test centuries, and rank among India’s top three run-scorers. However, his performance over the past five years remains a notable dent in his legacy, suggesting he may fall short of the top-tier status that once seemed assured.

As Kohli’s career winds down, his ODI contributions and earlier Test performances will stand as a lasting testament to his skill. Yet, the lasting question remains: has the slump of recent years ultimately denied him a place at the pinnacle of Test greatness?