As India prepares for the five-match Test series against England later this year, questions about Virat Kohli’s form in red-ball cricket have taken center stage. The 36-year-old batter, once the backbone of India’s batting lineup, has struggled recently, prompting calls for him to regain form by playing county cricket.
Manjrekar Suggests County Stint
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has advised Kohli to consider playing county cricket in England as preparation for the Test series. Speaking on Star Sports’ Deep Point podcast, Manjrekar highlighted the need for Kohli to get ample red-ball practice ahead of the series, especially after his underwhelming performance during India’s recent tour of Australia.
“Kohli should play county cricket before the England series. The County Championship starts in April, giving him the opportunity to adapt to conditions and gain valuable match practice,” Manjrekar said.
Kohli managed only 190 runs across nine innings in Australia, with his solitary century in Perth being a rare bright spot. His struggles against deliveries outside off-stump were evident, with bowlers dismissing him in a similar manner repeatedly.
Manjrekar added, “India’s management should evaluate his performances in the early matches of the England tour. If positive signs emerge, he can continue. But the last thing we want is for Kohli to struggle, which would not be good for Indian cricket. A county stint could be the ideal solution.”
Sanjay Bangar Backs Kohli
While Manjrekar proposed county cricket as a remedy, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar expressed full confidence in Kohli’s abilities and fitness. Kohli, recently named in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy squad for a match against Saurashtra on January 23, has not played the domestic tournament since 2012.
“I’m still backing him. Even at 36, his fitness levels are remarkable, and I believe he can continue performing at the highest level,” Bangar said.
The Path Ahead
Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy could offer an opportunity to rebuild his form, but it remains uncertain whether he will play in the upcoming fixture. With the England tour approaching and the County Championship providing a platform to acclimatize, Kohli’s preparation will be closely monitored.
The road ahead for the Indian stalwart is challenging but not insurmountable. Whether through county cricket, domestic tournaments, or a return to his best in the Test arena, fans and experts alike are eager to see Kohli reclaim his dominance on the field.
