Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Virat Kohli is “trying too hard” amid a lean patch, having scored only 137 runs in six ODIs post-2023 World Cup. Kumble noted that Kohli’s effort to meet high expectations is affecting his performance, particularly against spin, where he has struggled recently. Former batter Sanjay Manjrekar commented on Kohli’s declining confidence and lack of big-hitting ability, suggesting that spinners are becoming more aggressive against him. Kohli’s challenges are compounded by difficult pitch conditions, making it vital for him to regain his form and relax to play naturally.
“Having experienced a lean period, particularly in white-ball cricket—something he hasn’t faced for quite some time—I feel he is overexerting himself,” Kumble commented on ESPNcricinfo Match Day.
“Players with significant experience often feel the pressure, as others look to them as key players who can turn the game around,” Kumble explained. “When such expectations weigh heavily, it leads to unnecessary stress, compelling you to strive excessively. This can prevent you from being truly relaxed.”
“In his finest innings, I am sure he wasn’t preoccupied with such thoughts. The best bowling performances arise when players are not burdened by expectations.”
“I think he’s over-trying, and that is evident in the manner in which he approaches his innings. He simply needs to let go of those concerns. Rohit [Sharma] enters the match with freedom, supported by a solid batting lineup, all in good form. Virat should focus on his game without excessive worry.”
Kohli’s recent six dismissals have all been against spin—five against legspinners. Kumble suggested this is more about the pressure to score than simply rotating the strike.
“To start confidently against spin on such challenging surfaces is crucial. He appears to be pressing too much to manipulate the ball,” Kumble stated. “When in form, he’s an effective player against spin, adept at finding singles and rotating the strike. Currently, however, he seems focused more on scoring than maneuvering, which has altered his game plan.”
“Every player faces tough moments in their career, but it seems he is placing a heavier burden on himself. He simply needs to relax and not overthink the results on the field—just play naturally, as he’s always done.”
“Virat Kohli is in a tough spot, and his confidence continues to wane,” Manjrekar noted. “He still wants to prove himself, and I sense a bit of bravado in his demeanor. Why not appear strong outwardly?”
“Rohit Sharma retains his ability to hit big shots; he can step out and hit over covers or execute a short-arm pull, ready to take risks. Kohli doesn’t possess that power anymore. We’ve seen him play aggressive shots occasionally, but he can’t deliver them at will like Shubman Gill.”
“After that century in Australia, if he had maintained that form… confidence plays a crucial role—when you’re out of form and lacking confidence, the ability to hit big shots diminishes.”
Kohli scored a not-out century in the second innings of the first Test in Perth, but totaled just 90 runs across the other eight innings in the series.
“Following his struggles post-Australia, when he scored a fifty against England in the ODI series, I thought it reflected his batting state,” Manjrekar remarked. “He batted exceptionally well in South Africa, and that century in Australia was achieved with 300 runs already on the board. At this moment, he seems low on confidence.”
“His batting technique appears to be faltering. As someone once noted, aging can lead to diminishing luck. It’s tough to watch Kohli go through this.”
“What type of pitches will he encounter in the next couple of matches? Sluggish, turning surfaces that are far from ideal for batting. This scenario isn’t aiding his situation either.”
Manjrekar suggested that spinners are increasingly confident bowling aggressively to Kohli, knowing he is less likely to hit them for big boundaries.
“When he comes to bat, spinners usually take the field. They realize that he isn’t going to clear the boundary consistently like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, or Shubman Gill. As a result, the spinners can deliver balls that are designed to take wickets, lacking fear of retaliation from the batter.”
“Thus, he finds himself in a corner. What he needs in this tournament are flatter pitches, like those in Pakistan. If he can navigate this challenge and rediscover his peak form, it would reveal so much about his character and resilience.”