Year-Ender 2024: Virat Kohli Drops Out Of Top 50 List, Finishes With Lowest Test Average In 5 Years

In 2024, Virat Kohli faced a significant decline in form across all formats, marking one of the toughest years of his career.

Once hailed as one of the best batters of his generation, his inconsistent performances disappointed fans and sparked debates about his spot specially in the Test team. When it comes to the longest format of the game, he ended the year with the lowest average in the last 5 years.

His omission from the top 50 run-scorers of 2024 highlighted his struggles with form, falling short of the standards he has set throughout his career. Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal claimed the 50th spot with 724 runs at an average of 42.58, while Kohli lagged behind significantly. In comparison, Pakistan's Babar Azam, despite his own challenges in Test cricket, amassed 1,168 runs with a higher average and nine half-centuries in seven more innings, showcasing a consistency that Kohli lacked during the year.

A key issue in Virat's game in 2024 has been his vulnerability to deliveries swinging away from him, especially in the off-stump corridor. Repeated dismissals from edging such balls have become a glaring weakness, undermining his technique and confidence. What was once an occasional flaw in his batting has evolved into a persistent problem, disrupting his rhythm and contributing significantly to his struggles throughout the year.

Kohli's difficulties, particularly in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, have sparked debates about his position in India's Test squad. After a challenging year, the upcoming Sydney Test is pivotal for him to regain form. Another disappointing performance could compel the team management to make difficult decisions regarding his role in future matches, increasing the pressure on the seasoned batter to deliver.

This year, Kohli is ending with an average of 47.21. From 2019 to 2021, he maintained an average above 50 in Test. From 2022 things went downhill and now he has hit rock bottom.

In 2025, Kohli will have a lot to prove and consistent below-par performances will eventually force him to think otherwise. It's now or never for King Kohli.