Kohli’s Form Crisis: Ex-Player Slams ‘Out of Rhythm’ Star
Virat Kohli’s golden touch with the bat seems to have dulled—at least for now. The former Indian captain’s latest stumble, a duck in the first ODI against Australia, has drawn sharp criticism from ex-teammate Mohammad Kaif, who says Kohli is clearly “out of rhythm” and “out of touch.”
What Went Wrong in the First ODI?
Facing Australia’s pace attack at the Wankhede Stadium, Kohli once again fell prey to a familiar weakness: deliveries angled outside the off stump. Caught behind off Josh Hazlewood for a golden duck, the dismissal echoed past struggles that have resurfaced during this tour. For a player known for his technical mastery, the lapse was both surprising and concerning.
Mohammad Kaif’s Harsh but Honest Take
Speaking to the media, former India middle-order batsman Mohammad Kaif didn’t mince words. “He’s out of rhythm, out of touch,” Kaif stated bluntly. He attributed Kohli’s current rut to a lack of consistent match practice over the past year. “When you don’t play regularly, your reflexes, your footwork, even your anticipation—they all suffer. That’s what we’re seeing right now.”
Is Match Practice Really the Issue?
Kaif’s diagnosis carries weight. Since stepping down as India’s Test captain in early 2022, Kohli has played fewer international matches across formats. While he remains active in the IPL, the intensity and bowling quality in bilateral ODI series—especially against top-tier teams like Australia—are on another level. Without regular exposure to such conditions, even elite players can lose their edge.
Adelaide Oval: A Glimmer of Hope?
All is not lost. Kohli now turns his focus to the Adelaide Oval, a venue where he’s historically thrived. In ODIs at this ground, he averages over 70, with two centuries to his name—including a blistering 116 off just 107 balls in 2019. The pink-ball ODI under lights could be the perfect stage for a vintage Kohli comeback.
Table: Kohli’s Recent ODI Performance vs Australia (Last 5 Innings)
| Date | Venue | Runs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 20, 2025 | Mumbai | 0 | Caught behind |
| Sept 28, 2024 | Chennai | 24 | Bowled |
| Sept 25, 2024 | Delhi | 67 | Not out |
| Nov 27, 2023 | Guwahati | 16 | LBW |
| Nov 24, 2023 | Indore | 85 | Caught |
Can Kohli Bounce Back?
History suggests yes. Kohli has weathered form slumps before—most notably in 2014 and 2019—only to return with even greater dominance. His mental resilience remains unmatched. But time is a factor. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon and younger batters like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal staking their claims, Kohli knows he can’t afford a prolonged dip.
What Fans and Experts Are Saying
Cricket analysts are split. Some echo Kaif’s concerns, while others point to Kohli’s track record as proof he’ll find his groove. Social media has erupted with #BackKohli and #TimeToMoveOn hashtags, reflecting the emotional divide among fans.