Will domestic cricket help Kohli find a solution? Explained

India’s recent defeats against New Zealand have spotlighted the patchy form of its cricket icons, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, especially as the team gears up for a challenging tour of Australia. With Kohli and Rohit both underperforming, questions arise: if cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar could play domestic cricket at 40, why aren’t these greats doing the same?

Despite holding high batting averages, India’s top-order has struggled, leading to two consecutive losses that handed New Zealand a 2-0 lead with one match to go. Kohli and Rohit’s absence from the domestic Duleep Trophy season opener has further drawn fans’ frustration as they question the duo’s preparations for the international season. Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik emphasizes the value of domestic cricket in regaining form, especially given Kohli's struggle against spin.

Kohli’s spin struggles raise concerns

Kohli’s battle with spin continues to affect his performance in Test cricket, with statistics highlighting his vulnerability. Over his last 50 innings since 2021, he has been dismissed 24 times by spinners, averaging a modest 33.38. His last Test century came in July 2023, and with only 88 runs from his last four innings—70 of which were from a single knock—his performance against New Zealand’s spinners has raised concerns. Karthik, in an interview with Cricbuzz, noted Kohli’s lack of runs, particularly against spinners, and suggested domestic cricket as a way to prepare for the nuanced challenges of international matches. "Virat Kohli has not had it easy, the series has not been good to him, three out of four innings, he has disappointed. It's obviously a recurring partner where spinners have troubled him, and I think he will go and figure out what he needs to do to come out stronger. He is a man, who is searching for answers. When you reach that level of genius and super stardom, you will be thrown challenges and here is another challenge. India likes to play on pitches that aids spin, what is his gameplan?"  Karthik remarked.

"We all know what he is capable of, this series was not meant to be. Like the fans have been saying, he has not done it for a long time and that we cannot run away from. We don't want to sugarcoat it because we want to be as objective in assessing any player, any performance, at the moment. Virat Kohli's Test record in the last 2-3 years, has not been great against spin," said Karthik.

Domestic cricket: A path to revival?

Fans are now drawing comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar, who played his last Ranji Trophy match at 40 before his retirement from international cricket in 2013. Kohli last appeared in the Ranji Trophy in 2012, while Rohit’s final match in the elite red-ball tournament was during the 2015-16 season. Karthik's comments resonate with fans who believe that a stint in domestic cricket could be beneficial. He pointed out that while Kohli remains one of India’s most skilled players, his form in the Test arena has lagged in recent years.

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Dinesh Karthik’s insights have revived the conversation on the importance of domestic cricket for even the most accomplished players, suggesting that Kohli and Rohit’s return to local matches could be a key step in reviving their Test performance. As the third Test against New Zealand approaches, Kohli will aim to counter his spin challenges, looking to regain form and restore fans' faith in his batting.