"We are unable to figure out how his form is" - Parthiv Patel on Virat Kohli amid IND vs NZ 2024 Test series
Parthiv Patel has noted that Virat Kohli needs to dispel the uncertainties regarding his form in the three-Test series between India and New Zealand. He added that the Indian batting mainstay needs to be among the runs heading into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The opening day of the first Test between India and New Zealand was washed out in Bengaluru on Wednesday, October 16. The hosts will hope that they can register a win in the remaining four days to boost their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final.
During a discussion on Colors Cineplex, Patel was asked what he was looking forward to in the first Test against New Zealand.
"There is a question mark over Shubman Gill, whether he will play or not. So Sarfaraz (Khan) might get a chance again. He is coming after scoring a double hundred in the Irani Trophy. Virat Kohli is about to reach 9000 runs. We are unable to figure out how his form is," he responded.
The former India wicketkeeper-batter pointed out that Rohit Sharma and company could have an easier time in Australia if Kohli is at the top of his game.
"The way he batted in Kanpur, you knew that big shots had to be played. He hasn't played much cricket. So these three Test matches are extremely crucial for Virat before going to Australia because if he scores runs, the Australian tour can become easier for India," Patel observed.
Kohli aggregated 99 runs at an average of 33.00 in the two-Test series against Bangladesh. He was dismissed cheaply in both innings of the Chennai Test and scored 47 and an unbeaten 29 in his two hits in Kanpur.
"You want Virat Kohli to complete his 9000 runs in Bengaluru" - Parthiv Patel
In the same discussion, Parthiv Patel expressed hope that Virat Kohli should reach 9000 Test runs in Bengaluru.
"You want Virat Kohli to complete his 9000 runs in Bengaluru. Virat's first Test century in India came on this ground and against this team only. So there are a lot of things that remain in your memory but it matters if you have scored one or two centuries, he has scored so many centuries," he said.
The cricketer-turned-commentator lauded the modern batting great's hunger and opined that he would answer the questions about his form with a big knock.
"Virat Kohli will always have that hunger. The day he feels he doesn't have the hunger and is unable to play with that intensity, you won't see Virat on the ground. When you question his form, a big player answers it very well, and that answer is only as a century or a very good innings," Patel stated.
Kohli has aggregated 157 runs at an average of 31.40 in three Tests this year. He hasn't scored a half-century in six innings and will hope to end that drought in Bengaluru.