A viral exchange between former Indian coach Ravi Shastri and ex-Australian captain Aaron Finch has ignited a fresh debate about Virat Kohli’s current form and his role in India’s batting collapses. The quote that set social media buzzing read: “Do you remember last time Virat Kohli saved India from a collapse?” to which Finch allegedly replied, “No, because Virat Kohli himself is part of the collapse.” While the authenticity of the exchange remains uncertain, the sentiment behind it has resonated with a section of fans frustrated by India’s recent batting struggles.
Over the years, Kohli has built his reputation as one of the greatest modern-day batsmen — a man known for consistency, match awareness, and an ability to perform under pressure. His chases during the 2012 Hobart ODI, the 2016 T20 World Cup, and countless run pursuits in bilateral series defined an era where India’s batting revolved around him. The phrase “King Kohli” was born from such moments of dominance. But as time has moved on, so too has the conversation around his performances. In recent times, fans and analysts have started questioning whether Kohli still possesses that same spark to rescue India when the top order fails.
The alleged Shastri-Finch quote plays into this narrative. It challenges the notion that Kohli remains the automatic savior in crisis situations. In several recent matches, India’s middle order has buckled under pressure, and even Kohli’s dismissals have come at critical junctures that deepen collapses rather than prevent them. His tendency to get stuck against spin or lose rhythm during pressure overs has been noticed more frequently than in his prime years. Critics argue that while Kohli still scores runs, the aura of inevitability — the certainty that he would take India home — has slightly diminished.
However, Kohli’s defenders are quick to point out that one cannot dismiss a decade of excellence because of a few inconsistent phases. The same player who has over 70 international centuries and an unmatched chasing record has repeatedly proven that form is temporary but class is permanent. They argue that the team’s batting collapses are rarely the fault of a single player and often stem from structural issues — such as lack of partnerships, over-reliance on senior batters, or poor tactical decision-making.
The debate ultimately reflects the polarized way in which Kohli is viewed today. For his loyal supporters, the quote feels like a cheap shot, undermining the contributions of one of cricket’s all-time greats. For others, it is a blunt but honest reflection of India’s overdependence on him and his occasional struggles to finish games in recent years. Either way, the fact that such a line gained so much traction shows how influential Kohli remains to India’s cricketing psyche — even when he’s being criticized.
In truth, both sides hold some validity. Kohli is no longer the unstoppable force he once was, but he remains a vital cog in India’s batting unit. Every player endures phases of vulnerability, and Kohli’s current form does not erase the countless times he has lifted India from the brink of defeat. What this viral moment has done, however, is spark a necessary conversation about balance — the need for India to develop multiple match-winners instead of leaning solely on one name.
As the dust settles, what stands out is that even a speculative quote can reignite national discussion about Kohli’s legacy. Whether he’s part of a collapse or the man who averts it, Virat Kohli’s presence continues to define Indian cricket’s highs and lows.