1. VIRAT KOHLI: A SHADOW OF HIS FORMER SELF
Virat Kohli, once the backbone of India’s batting lineup, is struggling to find his footing. The oncereliable batsman and former captain is now far from his peak, with his recent performances suggesting he may be holding India back. Kohli’s record in 2024 has been underwhelming. His last 10 Test innings have yielded only 245 runs, with his most recent century coming in July 2023 against the West Indies. Against New Zealand, his performance was particularly concerning: across six innings, he managed only 93 runs at a dismal average of 15.50, with a high score of just 70. The stats reveal a concerning trend: Kohli’s trademark ability to anchor innings and convert starts into big scores seems to be fading. While his past achievements can’t be ignored, international cricket is unforgiving, and there is little room for sentimentality. India needs a reliable middle-order player, and Kohli’s waning form could be a liability in a team that demands consistency. With young talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal emerging, it may be time to rethink Kohli’s place in the lineup.
2. ROHIT SHARMA: THE PR-SUPPORTED SKIPPER WHO’S STRUGGLING
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