Virat Kohli Registers the Lowest Test Average Among Indian Legends
Virat Kohli has struggled in Test cricket recently, recording the lowest batting average (32.29) among Indian legends over the last 40 matches. His sole century in the recent five-Test series against Australia came in Perth, scoring under 200 runs overall. Frequently dismissed behind the stumps, his off-stump issues persisted. Kohli’s average ranks below Pujara (33.30) and Ganguly (34.38).
Being one of the legends of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli has surprisingly recorded the lowest batting average among Indian greats in Test cricket in his last 40 matches. His average of 32.29 stands below notable players like Cheteshwar Pujara (33.30), Sourav Ganguly (34.38), and Dilip Vengsarkar (35.68). This marks a significant dip from his earlier dominance in the format.
Indian batters with lowest batting average in 40 Tests:
- Virat Kohli: 32.29;
- Cheteshwar Pujara: 33.30;
- Sourav Ganguly: 34.38;
- Dilip Vengsarkar: 35.68;
- Mohammad Azharuddin: 36.43;
- Rahul Dravid: 38.68;
- Gundappa Viswanath: 39.64;
- VVS Laxman: 39.96;
- Sunil Gavaskar: 42.00;
- Sachin Tendulkar: 42.96;
- Virender Sehwag: 45.26.
Kohli’s struggles were evident during the recent five-match series against Australia, where he failed to cross the 200-run mark and managed just one century at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Australian pacers exposed his vulnerability outside the off-stump, dismissing him eight times caught behind.
Virat Kohli is averaging 32.29 in his last 40 Tests. None of India’s great batters had such a lean patch. Following is the list of lowest averages by India legends in a sequence of 40 Tests (during any time in career).
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) January 5, 2025
32.29 Kohli
33.30 Pujara
34.38 Ganguly
35.68 Vengsarkar…
His lean patch isn’t new; Kohli has failed to impress against England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in the past year. With the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee looking to take tough calls, Kohli’s spot in the Test side could be under threat ahead of the upcoming England series.
Compared to Indian icons like Sachin Tendulkar (42.96) and Sunil Gavaskar (42.00), Kohli’s recent performances have been below par, raising concerns over his long-term place in the Test setup.
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