Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Andy Roberts Urges Virat Kohli to Refocus on Test Cricket Amid Struggles

West Indies cricket icon Andy Roberts has offered advice to Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli, who has been grappling with inconsistent performances in Test cricket over the last five years. Roberts suggested Kohli should devote greater focus to the longest format of the game to overcome his form slump, a sentiment voiced during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

Kohli’s form in Australia has been a point of debate. Although he scored a defiant unbeaten century in the first Test in Perth, his contributions in Adelaide have reignited concerns about his consistency in red-ball cricket. Roberts highlighted the importance of mental focus for success in the Test. He said:

He needs to be focused on the longer version of the game. You will get runs and score heavily in Test cricket only when you are fully focused on the longer form. The standard of Test cricket is not the same. The top batsmen look as if they are struggling.

Roberts also questioned India’s strategy in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. He further added:

Why did you guys bat first in Adelaide? India’s fast bowlers bowled Australia out cheaply in both innings (104 and 238) at Perth. If my fast bowlers outbowl the opposition pacers in the previous Test, I’m not going to give the rivals the first preference in the next Test. Remember, you are not playing on Indian pitches.

Australia’s emphatic 10-wicket win in Adelaide leveled the series 1-1. With Kohli averaging 32.14 in Tests since 2020, his resurgence is vital for India’s hopes of securing a series victory on Australian soil.