An average of 58.80 with 35 centuries in ODIS, 53.40 in Tests, and 50 in T20 – that’s Virat Kohli for you.
His numbers are reflection of his performance over the last ten years, with runs in World Cups, two man of the series performances at the World T20, and Test tons in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and the West Indies.
When India toured England back in 2014, Kohli had just come off back of special performance in the World T20 and was in midst of a purple patch. However, he couldn’t overcome English conditions and averaged just 13, with 134 runs in five Tests.
That dark phase continued in ODIs, and to add to it, Virat’s personal life came into the picture during the tour. Months later, he rose from the ashes by scoring four centuries in four Test matches Down Under.
His captaincy career took off from that tour and he stands today as arguably the greatest of this era.
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Steve Smith, the suspended former Australian captain, is his closest rival in Tests, although Kohli leapfrogs Joe Root, Kane Willamson and Smith in the shorter format.
However, thanks to his record in England, many are still apprehensive about Kohli’s ability to perform in alien conditions.
Smith scored 215 at Lord’s in 2015 and his Test average is still the highest among current players (61), but his suspension temporarily robs him of the chance to add any more runs. Virat could now leapfrog him by proving himself in England and Australia later this year.
He is aiming up too, having joined Surrey for June in a bid to strengthen his game in the Old Dart.
If everything goes to plan, and Kohli leads his team to victory in England, expect the, to carry that momentum to Australia, and then onto the World Cup next year.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/05/07/is-kohli-right-to-skip-a-test-to-play-english-county-cricket Here is my views on the same you are talking about.
Krumpton
Guest
https://youtu.be/z7C7zPv_Nf4 Playing in test against Afghanistan would be like this video for a major part of the front line side. So better that a second string side plays instead. And the main side prepares for England.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
With Chris Gayle its more of his board not picking him and his back injury which hasn't allowed him to play Test cricket .Pollard,NarineRusell belong to those class
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
I am sure he is burning from past four years to correct the biggest wrong of his life.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
Any team at home you cannot discount completely Tanmoy.England have Root,Stokes,Bairstow.
Rats
Guest
I see a mentally weak Kohli as a captain in IPL. Similar thing happened to Dhoni and co in the last two tours of England. Mentally drained out before an important test series. But I am glad Kohli is showing importance to Test cricket whereas Dhoni disrespected test cricket.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
County form dont count for the international matches.I think he will be okay the more he plays.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
Johno,batsman have lost the art of patience and bowlers have become much smarter .Though its batsman game no one is denying.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
Yes that's true but longer view is needed here.If India are too win series in England they need a month long exposure before first ball is bowled of the series.But international schedule don't permit that.It's the same Australia did for T-20s.Better planning is needed Though i agree for tests you should field best 11 .Tests caps are earned not distributed.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Incredible news now that almost the entire Indian Test XI will be rested from Test againt Afghanistan, with India to field a 2nd XI against Afghanistan. Extraordinary disrespect for the newest Test nation. www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/cricket/050518/virat-kohli-india-cricket-team-england-county-r-ashwin-jasprit-bumrah.html
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
Hi Ronan, Yes have an article on the same topic coming up.
Johnno
Guest
it was harder for batters in the past to make runs, unlike today where batters face less challanges from bowlers and pitches, and also ropes and grounds being bigger in the pass, and batsmen today benifting from DRS etc
Savage
Roar Rookie
India would be worried about pujara and vijay.Pujara has been poor in county's last 2 stints and Vijay might still be best Indian opener but I don't think he is in great form.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
The huge bit of information you failed to mention here Saurabh is that, in playing for Surrey, Kohli has decided to skip the Test match against Afghanistan. Skipping a Test match to play domestic cricket is a remarkable decision for a Test captain to make.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
Jacko,Greatness is a relative and subjective term.
JamesH
Roar Guru
Kohli knows that England is the only gap in his resume. If I know Virat (and I don't at all) he will be itching to rectify that.
Tanmoy Kar
Guest
There is every possibility that Indian team will perform much better this Summer. Aging Anderson and Broad's sharpness has reduced. Kohli and other Indian cricketers are having stint there prior to the Series. England do not have good spinners at present, etc.
Jacko
Guest
Sorry but what a silly title....The guy is already a GREAT...lol
BrainsTrust
Guest
Kohli would be earning close to the 50 million mark a year, and the vast majority off the field. So that he is going to play for a county team indicates how commited he is to his national team. Imagine Cricket Australia begging him on hand and foot to play In the Big Bash and he turns up to play in the Sheffield Shield. Kohli saves his best for the national team he averages 10 higher for the national team on the IPl while Gayle averages ten lower for his national team than the IPL.
Paul
Roar Guru
Credit where credit's due, Kohli is by far the best batsman across all three formats at first class level. I would leave it at that and not draw too many comparisons abut his captaincy, etc, because this is opening him up for plenty of criticism. At least wait to see how he and the Indians go in England later this year.