In 23 games and 32 innings, Virat Kohli amassed just 655 international runs at an average of 21.83 at the end of 2024, including one century and two fifties.
Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli, who is currently representing Delhi versus Railways in the upcoming Ranji Trophy tournament, received the straightforward word “Enjoy” from former spinner Harbhajan Singh. For his first Ranji Trophy encounter since 2012, the hometown hero made a comeback to the Arun Jaitley Stadium. To see their favorite celebrity in action, fans flocked to the stadium in droves. When a fan got past security and entered the field to touch Virat’s foot while he was stationed at the slips, the crowd erupted.Whether Virat scores runs or not is a completely other story for Harbhajan. All he wants is for Virat to love cricket and teach the next generation of Indian talent.
“Virat Kohli is an inspiration. Children will admire him. It is another matter entirely whether he scores runs or not. I would enjoy it if I were Virat Kohli. Harbhajan posted on his YouTube channel, “We just started playing cricket because we like it.”
“Once you get to Virat’s level, fun takes a backseat and pressure and expectations take the lead. He continued, “I want him to love the game and teach kids how to be like Virat Kohli.”Virat is making his comeback to the domestic circuit at a time when he has struggled to score runs. Considering the high bar he has set for himself, the 36-year-old’s performance in all forms last year was lackluster.
By the end of 2024, Virat had only amassed 655 international runs in 32 innings and 23 games, averaging 21.83, with two fifties and one century. His undefeated century against Australia in Perth was his highest score of the year.
A closer examination of Virat’s numbers reveals that he had a protracted dry spell in red-ball formats. The seasoned player only managed 417 runs at an average of 24.52 in 10 Test matches last year, including one hundred and one fifty.Virat’s problems with scoring runs could be solved by Harbhajan’s straightforward suggestion: “Occupy the crease.” The former spinner thinks the 36-year-old’s bat will produce runs on its own if he spends time on the crease.
“He should spend three to four hours out in the crease while he bats. Virat Kohli won’t change who he is even if he receives a perfect score. He’s never going to be a bad player. His accomplishments are enormous. In order to score runs, he should occupy the crease,” he continued.
