Virat Kohli's Journey: From Drought to Dominance in Cricket
A Historic Comeback for Virat Kohli
On September 8, four years ago, a seemingly inconsequential Asia Cup match between India and Afghanistan turned into a monumental event as Virat Kohli, the Indian cricketing legend, broke a 1,021-day century drought. This achievement brought joy to millions and reaffirmed his title as the 'King' of cricket.
Before this remarkable innings, Kohli's last international century was against Bangladesh during a day-night Test in Kolkata in November 2019. Although he continued to score runs, the pressure mounted as fans and critics alike began to question his form, revealing that even the greatest athletes can face challenges.
His struggles with spin bowling and deliveries outside off-stump became evident. While Kohli consistently scored half-centuries in limited-overs cricket, it was not enough to satisfy the expectations of his fans. In Test matches, he appeared more vulnerable than ever, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by a series of near-misses.
During this period, Kohli accumulated 2,708 runs in 72 matches, averaging 36.1, with 26 fifties but no centuries. This left him just short of surpassing Rohit Sharma, who scored 2,767 runs in the same timeframe. Despite his struggles, Kohli ranked as the seventh-highest run-scorer globally.
The pressure of expectations weighed heavily on Kohli, leading to speculation about whether his era was coming to an end. Former cricketers and media personalities began to question his place in the T20I squad ahead of the Asia Cup 2022 and the T20 World Cup.
In a candid interview, Kohli revealed that he had been 'faking his intensity' and feeling mentally drained, prompting him to take a month-long break from cricket before the Asia Cup. He acknowledged that admitting to feeling down was essential for his mental health.
After his break, Kohli returned to form, scoring 35, 59*, 60, and 0 in his first four matches. However, it was the match against Afghanistan that became a turning point. With Rohit resting, Kohli opened the innings and delivered a stunning performance, scoring 122* off just 61 balls, ending his century drought.
India won that match, but more importantly, Kohli regained his confidence, marking a significant milestone in his career. Since that century, while his Test performance has been inconsistent, his limited-overs statistics have soared.
Since his 71st century, Kohli has amassed 2,597 runs in ODIs at an impressive average of 63.34, including 11 centuries. In T20s, he has scored 3,316 runs at an average of 51.01, solidifying his status as a top player.
His accolades since that century include winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, being named 'Player of the Match' in the final, and breaking records in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Kohli has also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar for the most centuries in ODI history.
As of 2026, Kohli has transformed into an ODI-exclusive powerhouse, aiming for the 2027 World Cup. This year, he has already scored 384 runs in six innings, showcasing his remarkable form.
From the struggles of waiting for his 71st century to his triumphant return, Kohli's journey is a testament to resilience and determination. As he eyes the 2027 World Cup and the milestone of 100 international centuries, cricket fans eagerly anticipate his next chapter.