NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has provided an in-depth analysis of Virat Kohli‘s Test performances over the last five years, painting a sobering picture of the decline in his once-dominant form in the longest format.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra’s insights reveal the stark contrast between Kohli’s legendary past and his more modest present, while also addressing broader concerns about India’s transition phase in Test cricket.
Chopra acknowledged Kohli’s immense contributions to Indian cricket, calling his career “fantasy-like.” Kohli has amassed 9230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. However, Chopra’s focus on the last five years, where Kohli has averaged 30.72 in 39 Tests with just three centuries, paints a concerning picture.
“This is a big sample size,” Chopra stated, noting that Kohli’s numbers have dipped across both home and away matches. He also pointed out Kohli’s struggles in high-stakes games, citing underwhelming performances in crucial matches like the World Test Championship finals.
Breaking Down the Stats
Yearly Decline (2020-2024):
- 2020: Averaged 19.33 in just three Tests (small sample due to COVID-19).
- 2021: 28.21 average across 11 Tests, no centuries.
- 2022: 26.50 average in six Tests, again no hundreds.
- 2023: A brighter year with two centuries, averaging 55.91 in eight Tests.
- 2024: A stark dip with an average of 24.52 in 10 Tests, despite a lone century in Perth.
Venue-Specific Averages (Last 5 Years):
- Home: 29.92 in 16 Tests.
- Away: 31.38 in 21 Tests.
- Neutral: 30.00 in two WTC finals.
* Of Kohli’s three centuries in the last five years, only one came in a winning cause (Perth 2024).
With an aging core of players, including Rohit Sharma, and no qualification for the World Test Championship final this time, Chopra emphasised the urgency for a strategic shift.
Citing Irfan Pathan‘s remark that “youngsters can also score at a 25 average,” Chopra echoed calls for selectors to evaluate Kohli’s place in the team. “The selectors must decide now. There is no Test cricket till the England series, so Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir need to devise a clear blueprint for the future,” he said.
ODI and IPL brilliance
Interestingly, Kohli has maintained his dominance in ODIs and the IPL. He was the highest run-getter in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the Orange Cap winner in IPL 2024. Chopra speculated that Kohli might similarly excel in the 2025 Champions Trophy and IPL.
While acknowledging Kohli’s right to choose his retirement timeline, Chopra stressed the need for selectors to prioritise team needs over sentiment. With Test cricket in transition and no Test matches until the England series, the onus is on the selectors to decide whether to back Kohli in this phase or turn to younger players.
