As Virat Kohli continues to struggle with his form, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has suggested a solution to help the star batter regain his rhythm. Speaking on the Star Sports’ Deep Point podcast, Manjrekar advised Kohli to consider playing a season of County Championship cricket in England ahead of India’s Test tour of England this year.
Manjrekar emphasized the importance of Kohli playing more red-ball cricket, similar to what Cheteshwar Pujara has done. India’s upcoming Test series in England marks the start of the WTC 2025-27 cycle, with the first match scheduled to begin on June 20. Manjrekar believes that Kohli’s performance in the County Championship could help him regain his form and offer valuable match practice.
“The first Test in England is in June, while the County Championship begins in April,” Manjrekar said. “He could join a county team, just like Pujara did, and get some crucial match practice. If we see positive signs, India can evaluate his performance and decide his future in the Test matches. But the last thing we want is Kohli going there and struggling, as we have seen before. That would be detrimental to Indian cricket. Playing County cricket could be a sensible move for him.”
Manjrekar’s recommendation comes at a crucial time, as Kohli’s form in Tests has dipped significantly. In 10 Test matches last year, he scored just 417 runs at an average of 24.52, with only one century to his name. His overall international performance in 2024 wasn’t much better, accumulating only 655 runs at an average of 21.83 in 32 innings, with just one century and two half-centuries.
Former coach Sanjay Bangar, who has worked closely with Kohli in both the Indian setup and at Royal Challengers Bangalore, remains optimistic about Kohli’s future. “I am still backing him. Even at 36, his fitness levels are remarkable. He is as fit as ever, and I believe he can continue playing at the highest level,” Bangar said.
Playing in domestic or county cricket could be a wise choice for Kohli to overcome his form slump. Since the start of 2020, Kohli has played 39 Test matches and scored 2,028 runs at an average of 30.72, with just three centuries and nine half-centuries. His best score in this period was 186. His performance in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle was also underwhelming, with 751 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32.65, including two centuries and three fifties.
The County Championship could serve as an ideal platform for Kohli to regain his confidence and prepare thoroughly for the upcoming Test series in England.
