Indian talisman Virat Kohli is gearing up for the two-match Test series versus Bangladesh, starting September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Kohli last played this format in India’s tour of South Africa in December/January. Since then, he missed the five-match series against England at home due to personal reasons. Ahead of a compact schedule for India with a home series against the likes of Bangladesh and New Zealand followed by a tour of Australia, Kohli would be aiming to score runs aplenty and showcase his hunger. India will be seen playing a total of 10 matches until January 1st week and we might see vintage Kohli make a sound return.
Kohli has fallen behind in the elite Fab Four club of the format, which includes Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson. Since 2021, Kohli hasn’t fared well in terms of what we witnessed him do before that. In this phase, both Williamson and Root have taken the game to newer heights. Root, in particular, has scored a truckload of runs, and there are talks of him surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Kohli has a lot of catching up to do, and perhaps this gruelling schedule ahead will see him come out trumps. Here, we analyse Kohli’s fall among the Fab Four in the game’s longest format since 2021.
Kohli averaged a solid 53.41 until 2020
Kohli made his debut in whites for India back in 2011. Until December 31 2020, the Indian cricketer played 87 matches (147 innings) and scored 7318 runs at an average of 53.41, as per ESPNcricinfo. He owned a total of 27 tons and 23 fifties.
How did Root, Williamson and Smith fare until 2020?
England cricket team ace Joe Root made his debut in 2012. Until 2020, the Englishman had struck 17 centuries and 49 fifties. He had scored a total of 7823 runs from 97 matches, having played 10 more than Kohli. His average was 47.99.
New Zealand cricket team star Williamson made his debut in 2010. In 82 matches, he had managed 6877 runs until 2020 at an average of 52.90. He owned a total of 23 tons and 32 fifties.
Australia’s Smith played in a total of 75 matches, the fewest among the Fab Four. However, Smith averaged a stunning 61.33, scoring 7237 runs with 26 centuries and 29 fifties.
It’s safe to say, Smith and Kohli were the leaders of the pack until 2020 with the best averages and centuries.
Only two tons for Kohli since 2021
Since the start of 2021, Kohli has played only 26 matches for India across three years. He has amassed a total of 1530 runs, with his average dropping down to a lowly 35.38. He owns 2 centuries and seven fifties from a total of 44 innings. He has one run out and 43 dismissals to spin and pace.
11 of Kohli’s 26 matches have been at home. He owns just 586 runs from 17 innings at 34.47. Kohli has smashed one ton and two fifties at home during this period. He owns three scores of ducks, and 23 of his innings have seen him score 25 runs or less.
Kohli owns 20 dismissals to spinners since 2021
Additionally, Kohli has scored 653 runs against spinners since 2021 at an average of just 32.65. He has been dismissed 20 times by spinners at a strike rate of 44.97. Spin has troubled Kohli as he has faced spin in 30 innings during this period. Notably, he has been bowled out four times.
So the upcoming Bangladesh and New Zealand series will be interesting to see how he fares against spin. He will have 10 innings to showcase improvement.
Meanwhile, Kohli fares slightly better against pace at an average worth 38.13. He has accumulated 877 runs with 23 dismissals clocked.
Root has upped his game since 2021
Root has dominated the scenes with his approach in the format since 2021. Moreover, the influence of Bazball cricket under Brendon McCullum has seen his game elevate with unorthodox shots especially the reverse scoop shot. Root has played 23 matches more than Kohli in this period, though.
In 49 matches (90 innings), he has struck a mammoth 4579 runs at an average of 55.84. In this period, he owned 15 fifties and 17 tons. In total, he has 32 scores of 50-plus. His strike rate has also improved to 61.63.
What about Williamson and Smith?
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson owns a total of 1866 runs from a total of just 18 matches. He has played the least number of games owing to injuries as well. However, his average of 64.34 makes him a consistent force. He has maintained strong returns before and since 2021. He has clocked a total of nine tons and two fifties. If Williamson goes past fifty, there is every chance he converts that to a century. It’s his onus.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Steve Smith has featured in 34 matches. From 60 innings, he has scored 2448 runs. His average has dropped down to 47.07. He has six tons and 12 fifties. His strike rate is less than 50.
Summary
Kohli now owns the lowest number of tons compared to the other three in the Fab Four. His tally of tons reads 29. He owns 8848 runs at an average of 49.15. His average is also the lowest. He has played 113 matches.
Root is way above the rest. He has taken a substantial lead in terms of centuries. With 34 tons, he is England’s top centurion. He was in full flow in the home series against West Indies and Sri Lanka recently. Root’s average has risen to 50.62. He has 64 fifties as well. Root has played 146 matches, 33 more than Kohli. Notably, Root has scored 12402 runs.
Williamson owns 8743 runs from 100 matches. He has featured in the lowest number of matches among the Fab Four. Williamson averages 54.98 and owns 32 tons and 34 fifties. Wiliamson’s consistency and prowess are there for everyone to see.
Smith, who was ruling the charts before 2021, has fallen behind Root and Williamson in terms of consistency. Overall, he averages 56.97 with 32 tons and 41 fifties from 109 matches.
It’s safe to say Root and Williamson are the top two batters in this Fab Four group. Smith is next, dropping from number one to 3 since a lull suffered from 2021 onwards. Kohli has fallen behind in this format and needs a defining next 10 matches to lift his game.