New Delhi: Virat Kohli’s disastrous performance in Test cricket continues to be the talk of the cricket world, with former Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate Faf du Plessis is throwing his weight behind his potential comeback.
In five Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli scored just 190 runs at an average of 23.75 and was dismissed eight times for chasing deliveries outside the off-stump.
From 2020 onwards, Kohli’s Test figures show a sharp decline. In 39 matches, he has scored 2,028 runs at an average of 30.72, including just three centuries, suggesting that Kohli is going through the lowest phase of his career.
Du Plessis believes Kohli, known for his tremendous drive and past success, instinctively knows how to navigate difficult phases and get back to form when the time comes.
“Yes, it varies from player to player. Every player has to answer that question for himself. I remember when that time was there for me. Definitely from a Test cricket perspective, I didn’t feel that same hunger and I don’t play Test cricket anymore. Running towards it, I definitely felt like it was a great time for me to bring in new people and step into the T20 world,” du Plessis said in a press conference. SA20 Captain’s Day in Season 3.
“It’s a very, very personal thing. No one can tell you when that time is. As a player you will know. I know people like him. He is very motivated. He has done everything before. “Having been through it, you will know exactly what to do to overcome it,” he added.
Du Plessis expressed frustration that the ICC was reportedly considering introducing a two-tier testing system.
“No, I think it’s necessary for the game to be healthy.” Du Plessis said.
“We have seen over the last few years the value that Australia, England and India have placed on Test cricket to see if there are four or five Test series.
“If you look at other teams, you have a couple of Test matches here and there and six Test matches a season. I don’t think that’s healthy for the game,” he suggested.
“As far as Test cricket is concerned, if you look at all the Test matches that have been played over the last few weeks, there have been some incredible performances,” Du Plessis said.
This time it was part of DC. How excited are you about this new role? (4:23)
Du Plessis, who led RCB to the playoffs in the previous IPL season, will don the Delhi Capitals jersey in IPL 2025 and is excited to be a part of his 14th IPL season.
“Yes, it’s a new franchise. I’m very happy to be part of the IPL. I’m really proud because I think this will be my 14th season in the IPL. And like any other team, I’ll give my best wherever I go and perform really well. “We will make it happen,” he said.
