In the world of cricket, few players command attention like Virat Kohli. The former Indian captain’s remarkable consistency has made him one of the most formidable batsmen of the modern era. However, Kohli’s form took a significant dip between 2020 and 2022, with a notable two-year period without scoring a century. During this time, many cricket pundits, including former Indian cricketer Pragyan Ojha, weighed in on his performance, acknowledging both his struggles and his potential to bounce back.
Pragyan Ojha, a former spinner known for his insightful commentary on the game, recently discussed Kohli’s century drought and the pressures that come with being a player of his stature. According to Ojha, one of the major challenges that Kohli faced during this period was the exceptionally high expectations from fans and critics alike. Ojha remarked that for someone like Kohli, even a half-century is often perceived as a failure because the benchmark for his success is far beyond that of most players. “For someone like Kohli, scoring 50 or 60 runs sometimes feels inadequate because the expectations are always set at a century,” Ojha observed.
Ojha highlighted that Kohli’s consistency over the years had set the bar so high that any minor slip in performance became heavily scrutinized. Kohli, known for his aggressive style of play and high-intensity attitude, had always thrived under pressure. Yet, the two-year drought revealed the weight of constant expectations and how even the best players can experience slumps. Ojha, while empathetic to the challenges Kohli faced, also expressed confidence that Kohli’s discipline and work ethic would see him return to form.
During Kohli’s century-less phase, several factors contributed to his performance decline. Frequent changes in the Indian cricket team’s leadership, disruptions caused by the pandemic, and a packed international schedule likely added pressure. However, despite the lack of big scores, Kohli continued to contribute significantly, consistently getting starts and playing crucial roles in matches. Ojha noted that Kohli’s ability to convert “ones into twos” and consistently pick up “hard runs” on slow wickets showed his adaptability, even when he wasn’t in top form.
Ojha also pointed out that Kohli’s struggles should be seen in perspective. Many other top players have experienced similar phases, where the weight of expectations and personal form don’t align. Kohli’s career, with over 70 international centuries, is a testament to his talent and resilience. The prolonged slump, in Ojha’s opinion, was not indicative of a decline but rather a natural dip that every great player endures at some point.
In fact, Kohli’s eventual comeback, where he finally broke his century drought in September 2022 with a hundred in the Asia Cup, reaffirmed Ojha’s faith in Kohli’s ability to bounce back. Ojha mentioned that while Kohli’s form fluctuated, his dedication never wavered, and he kept working on his game quietly during this tough period.
Ojha’s reflections provide a balanced perspective on Kohli’s two-year struggle. He underscores how important mental toughness and perseverance are in overcoming difficult phases in cricket. Kohli’s return to form, as predicted by Ojha, was no surprise to those who understood the game and the pressures that come with being one of the world’s best.
As cricket enthusiasts continue to follow Kohli’s career, Ojha’s insights remind us that even legends are human. Kohli’s journey through this century drought shows that, despite the pressures and challenges, players of his caliber find a way to emerge stronger.
With the future still bright for Virat Kohli, one thing is clear: he remains a central figure in Indian cricket, and his hunger for runs is far from over.