"He has scored only 2 centuries in the last 5 years" - Aakash Chopra says Virat Kohli's form is a concern after failures in IND vs NZ 2024 2nd Test
Aakash Chopra reckons Virat Kohli's underwhelming recent Test returns are a concern. He pointed out that the modern batting great has scored only two centuries since the beginning of 2020.
Kohli managed only 18 runs across his two innings in India's 113-run loss in the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. He played a 70-run knock in India's second innings of the previous Test in Bengaluru but was dismissed for a duck in the first essay.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra', the former India opener opined that Kohli's Test form is a concern considering his numbers over the last five years.
"Is Virat Kohli's Test form a concern? He has scored only two centuries in the last five years. It's a concern if you see his numbers for the last five years and that was before the start of this Test match. He played only six innings in 2020 and had an average of 19. He played 19 innings in 2021 but had an average of 28, with no century," he said (3:45).
Chopra acknowledged that Kohli had decent numbers last year. However, he added that he has again been found wanting this year.
"In 2022, he played 11 innings, again an average of 26, with no century. He did score two centuries in 2023 for sure, the average jumped to 55, but let's also remember that one century came in a drawn game on a flat pitch in Ahmedabad. You won't rate that too much. This year as well, he was going at an average of 32 in eight innings and now this Test match has also passed," Chopra observed.
Kohli has aggregated 245 runs at an average of 27.22 in 10 Test innings in 2024. The 70-run knock in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand is the only time he has crossed the 50-run mark this year.
"This team requires his form and contribution even more" - Aakash Chopra on the significance of Virat Kohli being among the runs
![Virat Kohli was bowled off a full toss in India's first innings in Pune. [P/C: BCCI]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/89912-17300058607950-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same video, Aakash Chopra highlighted the importance of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being among the runs for India.
"It's always going to be a concern if Virat Kohli doesn't score runs or scores less runs because he is a mighty player and you make your entire game plan around Virat Kohli. This team requires his form and contribution even more because Rohit (Sharma) is at the top and Kohli is in the middle, the rest around them are all kids," he reasoned (4:35).
The reputed commentator added that Kohli can provide a calming influence if he spends a long time at the crease.
"All kids play big shots, they play in their own way, my way or the highway. In such a scenario, Virat Kohli not only scoring big runs but also batting two to two-and-a-half sessions will be the calming influence. He will drive the game and things can revolve around him. He will want to be the pivot and it will be a problem if he doesn't become that," Chopra elaborated.
Chopra added Kohli seems to be having difficulty reading length, considering he missed a full toss in the first innings and played a full delivery off the back foot in the second essay. However, he claimed the ace batter knows how to turn things around.