Virat Kohli is no stranger to scrutiny. As one of cricket’s greatest modern-day players, every inning of his is analyzed under a microscope. But this time, the chatter is louder, and the critics are sharper. Kohli’s recent struggles in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy have left fans and experts wondering—has the Indian maestro lost his edge?
A Rough Patch for the King
Kohli’s performances against Australia in this series have been far from his usual standards. His most recent dismissal—a tentative edge off Josh Hazlewood for just three runs—adds to the growing list of underwhelming scores: seven, 11, and three in his last three innings.
What’s more troubling is the pattern. Most of Kohli’s dismissals have come from deliveries outside the off-stump. It’s almost as if the once-impervious batter has developed a glaring vulnerability.
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Allan Border’s Concerns
Australian cricket legend Allan Border didn’t hold back in his assessment of Kohli’s form. Speaking to Fox Sports, he pointed out what many have noticed.
“Today’s dismissal, that’s normally a delivery he would have left alone if he was in his best possible form,” Border remarked. “I’m not sure what’s going on with Virat mentally (and) whether he’s just lost that edge.”
That’s a heavy statement coming from someone like Border, who has seen Kohli dismantle world-class bowling attacks with ease.
Michael Vaughan’s Perspective
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also chimed in. He doesn’t believe Kohli has been undone by unplayable deliveries, or “jaffas,” as cricketing jargon goes.
“He’s a player who’s going out there (and) almost trying to get on top too soon,” Vaughan explained. “When he plays at his best, particularly in Australia and England, he just leaves the ball. Most of his dismissals in this series have been balls that he could have left.”
Vaughan’s point hits home. Kohli’s hallmark has always been his patience—knowing when to attack and when to leave. The fact that he’s chasing wide balls shows a lapse in either judgment or confidence.
It’s worth noting that Virat Kohli did score a century earlier in the series. For a brief moment, it seemed like the King was back. But since that high, his form has dipped alarmingly.
The inconsistency is baffling, especially for someone of Kohli’s caliber. Fans are left asking: what’s going wrong? Is it mental fatigue, technical flaws, or just a bad phase?
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