How much Virat Kohli Scored During His Lean Phase?

Virat Kohli’s Lean Patch (2019-2022): A Period of Resilience and Adaptation

Virat Kohli, one of the greatest cricketers of modern times, went through a notable lean patch from November 2019 to September 2022. For almost three years, Kohli failed to register a single international century, which for a player of his caliber, became a highly discussed topic in the cricketing world. During this phase, his form was scrutinized, his technique questioned, and doubts arose about his future. However, Kohli’s lean patch was not entirely barren. He continued to contribute significantly to the Indian cricket team, scoring over 2,500 runs across formats, maintaining respectable averages, and amassing numerous fifties. This article delves into the statistics, the circumstances, and the significance of this lean patch in Kohli’s illustrious career.

Overview of Kohli’s Lean Patch

Kohli’s last international century before his dry spell came in November 2019 against Bangladesh during India’s maiden Day/Night Test in Kolkata. Following this, Kohli went through an unexpected drought of centuries that lasted until September 2022. While the lack of a three-figure score dominated headlines, Kohli’s contributions were far from negligible. He remained a vital part of the Indian team across formats, accumulating 2,797 runs with 27 fifties during this period.

Though he did not reach the milestones people were accustomed to seeing, Kohli’s ability to adapt and keep contributing showed his resilience. His performances during this time were not as dominating as they once were, but they were steady enough to underline his value to the team.

Kohli’s Performance in Test Cricket (2019-2022)

Test cricket is often regarded as the pinnacle of the game, and Kohli’s numbers in this format during his lean patch were modest compared to his own standards. In 18 Test matches, Kohli scored 872 runs at an average of 27.25. These are numbers that, for an average cricketer, would be considered respectable. However, for someone of Kohli’s stature, who previously averaged above 50 in Tests, this was seen as a decline.

During this phase, Kohli managed to score 6 half-centuries but was unable to convert any of them into the big centuries that had become his trademark. His highest score in Test matches during this time was 79, which came against South Africa in Cape Town in January 2022. The 79 was an innings marked by grit and determination, but once again, Kohli fell short of converting it into a century.

What stood out during this period was the frequent criticism of his technique. Kohli was often dismissed outside the off-stump, poking at deliveries that he might have left in his prime. This was particularly evident during India’s tours of England in 2021 and 2022, where Kohli was frequently troubled by the moving ball. Despite this, Kohli never seemed to lose his fighting spirit, and his ability to still play crucial innings for India showcased his mental strength.

Kohli’s Performance in ODI Cricket (2019-2022)

ODI cricket had been Virat Kohli’s strongest format for a long time. He was the fastest to 10,000 and 11,000 ODI runs, and centuries came to him with ease in this format. However, during his lean patch, while the centuries dried up, Kohli still managed to perform well in ODIs.

In 27 ODIs, Kohli scored 1,283 runs at an average of 47.51, including 14 half-centuries. His consistency in ODIs during this phase was commendable, even though he could not reach the three-figure mark. His highest score during this period was 89, which came against Australia in Sydney in November 2020.

What made Kohli’s performance in ODIs noteworthy during his lean patch was his ability to adapt to different conditions and situations. He often played the role of an anchor, holding one end while others played more aggressively. This adaptability showed Kohli’s maturity as a player, as he was no longer chasing personal milestones but focusing on what the team needed. His ODI average during this period of 47.51 is still impressive, and his 14 half-centuries were crucial in guiding India to many competitive totals.

Kohli’s Performance in T20Is (2019-2022)

T20Is require a different set of skills, and while Kohli had been a dominant force in the format, his performances during his lean patch were mixed. In 27 T20Is, Kohli scored 642 runs at an average of 37.76, including 7 half-centuries.

Kohli’s highest T20I score during this period was 94 not out against the West Indies in December 2019. Despite the challenges, Kohli maintained a healthy strike rate and adapted to the ever-evolving demands of T20 cricket. His contributions were particularly crucial in India’s successful campaigns in various bilateral series and the Asia Cup 2022.

Kohli’s fitness and ability to rotate the strike, along with playing risk-free cricket, allowed him to remain a consistent performer in T20Is, even when the big scores were eluding him. His adaptability and calmness under pressure were evident, especially in chases, where he often played the role of a finisher.

The Century Drought: A Mental and Technical Battle

Virat Kohli’s inability to score centuries during this period became a psychological burden. Having set such high standards for himself with 70 international centuries before the drought, the pressure to reach the three-figure mark again grew with every game. Kohli himself admitted that the constant talk about his century drought affected him mentally.

Technically, Kohli was often found wanting outside the off-stump, a problem that had troubled him in the past but which he had corrected during his peak years. Bowlers around the world seemed to exploit this weakness, particularly in Test cricket, where Kohli was repeatedly dismissed while fishing for deliveries outside the off-stump.

Despite these challenges, Kohli never backed away from the fight. He continued to work on his game, fine-tuning his technique, and remained one of the hardest-working cricketers in terms of fitness and preparation.

Breaking the Drought: Kohli’s Return to Form

Virat Kohli finally broke his century drought on September 8, 2022, during the Asia Cup in a T20I match against Afghanistan. He scored an unbeaten 122 off 61 balls, registering his first international century in almost three years and his first-ever in T20Is. This century was a monumental relief, not only for Kohli but also for his fans and the cricketing community at large.

This innings was a reminder of Kohli’s class and his ability to overcome challenges. It wasn’t just the runs he scored, but the manner in which he did it. He looked like the Kohli of old – confident, assertive, and completely in control. The century against Afghanistan was a symbolic moment, marking the end of a long struggle and the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s lean patch from 2019 to 2022 was a period of personal and professional challenges. While he failed to score a century for nearly three years, he still amassed over 2,500 runs across formats, maintained respectable averages, and played crucial innings for India. His resilience and adaptability during this phase showcased the mental strength and grit that have been hallmarks of his career.

The end of his century drought in September 2022 was not just the breaking of a statistical barrier but a testament to Kohli’s ability to fight through adversity and return to the top. His lean patch may have dented his numbers slightly, but it also highlighted his character, proving that even in difficult times, Kohli remains one of the most valuable players in world cricket.