Kapil Dev on Virat Kohli: Former India captain Kapil Dev has been heard on Virat Kohli’s ongoing batting struggles in Australia. Despite Kohli’s recent challenges, Kapil chose not to offer advice saying only Kohli can come out of this tough patch.
Kapil Dev on Virat Kohli: Kohli’s Inconsistent Run in Australia
Virat Kohli has not been anywhere near his best in the last few games in Australia. Having scored a century in the second innings at Perth, he was out of form during the pink-ball Test at Adelaide. Australian pacers exploited his weakness outside off-stump, sending him back for 7 and 11 in two successive innings.
It was very trying for Kohli this season. In all formats, he managed to score 611 runs in 21 games, averaging 22.62 with only one century and two half-centuries. In Tests, his record still remains worrisome at just 373 runs at 26.64 in 2024.
Even in a downward phase, Kapil Dev regards Kohli as one of the top four Indian batters in cricket history. He, however, underlined that Kohli is the only one who can rescue him.
“Virat Kohli is one of the best cricketers we have seen in our country. If you put the top four batsmen, he will be there. If he is going through a rough time, it is only up to him how fast he can bounce back,” Kapil stated.
Kapil mentions the mental and technical changes in the top tier. His words suggest that personal resilience, instead of external guidance, plays a significant role in coming back for a cricketer.
Leadership Dialogues: Bumrah as Captain?
The discussion also shifted towards the leadership of the Indian side. With Rohit Sharma missing, Jasprit Bumrah led India to a convincing 295-run win at Perth. This performance also raised debate about Bumrah’s potential as a captain.
However, Kapil dismissed premature captaincy talks, advising patience and emphasizing long-term consistency. “With one performance, you can’t say he is the best, and with one bad performance, you can’t say he doesn’t deserve it,” he remarked.
He suggested assessing leadership skills based on how a captain handles adversity. “You judge a person by how he reacts in difficult times, not in good times,” Kapil concluded.
Looking Ahead
As India prepares for the crucial Brisbane Test, all eyes will remain on Virat Kohli. His track record reflects resilience and unmatched talent, leaving fans hopeful for a swift return to form. Meanwhile, India’s leadership dynamics continue evolving, with future captaincy debates likely to resurface as the team navigates its cricketing journey.
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