The Rise and Fall of a Cricket Titan: Virat Kohli’s Test Decline and Joe Root’s Resurgence
The Rise and Fall of a Cricket Titan: Virat Kohli’s Test Decline and Joe Root’s Resurgence
Cricket, like life, is a game of highs and lows. Heroes are made, idols are worshipped, and sometimes, legends fade before our eyes. One of the most talked-about narratives in recent cricket history is the contrasting journeys of two modern-day greats: Virat Kohli and Joe Root. Once considered the poster boy of Test cricket, Virat Kohli’s form has taken a nosedive in recent years, while Joe Root has quietly ascended to become arguably the most consistent Test batsman of his generation.
The tweet in question, which juxtaposes Kohli’s glorious statistics with an image of him walking off the field dejectedly, encapsulates this shocking twist in cricketing fortunes. The words, “Who would've thought Joe Root would outshine him in Tests. Gotta be one of the craziest downfalls in cricket history”, may sound harsh—but they reflect a reality that has been developing slowly, almost silently.
The Golden Era of Virat Kohli
There was a time, especially between 2016 and 2019, when Virat Kohli was untouchable in all three formats. In Tests, he was a colossus, scoring centuries across the globe and leading India to historic series wins, including a memorable Test series victory in Australia. His technique, aggression, and hunger for big runs were unparalleled.
At a time, we see Kohli’s test stats at their peak:
- Matches: 89*
- Runs: 7401
- 50s/100s: 24/27
- Average: 52.86
- Best Score: 254* vs South Africa, Pune 2019
These numbers speak volumes of a man who once seemed destined to finish as the greatest Indian Test batsman, perhaps even surpassing Sachin Tendulkar in the purest form of the game.
But cricket is a game that doesn’t forgive long periods of stagnation.
The Sudden Halt and the Prolonged Slump
Post-2019, Kohli’s form saw a steady decline. The centuries stopped coming. His footwork looked uncertain, particularly against swing and spin, and his vulnerability outside the off-stump became more evident. The hunger seemed intact, but the magic—the aura—started to wear off. Each dismissal was no longer met with disbelief, but rather with a resigned sigh.
What was more shocking than the lack of centuries was the lack of impactful innings. Kohli, once known for rising in the most difficult situations, became a shadow of his former self. Critics began to question his place in the squad, and fans, though loyal, were left yearning for the old King Kohli.
Meanwhile, Joe Root Was Silently Building a Legacy
If Virat Kohli’s story is one of a sudden dip, Joe Root’s is of quiet consistency and dramatic resurgence. After a period in the mid-2010s where Root was often seen as the weakest among the Fab Four (Kohli, Smith, Williamson, Root), he began a phenomenal run from 2020 onward.
While the cricketing world was grappling with the pandemic and bio-bubbles, Joe Root went into beast mode, amassing runs in almost every series. Whether in Sri Lanka, India, or against formidable oppositions at home, Root churned out runs like clockwork. He redefined himself not just as England’s backbone, but as one of the finest Test batsmen the game had seen in a decade.
He started playing spin with the composure of a subcontinent batsman, showed exceptional adaptability, and carried an England team that was often shaky and inconsistent.
The Irony and the Pain
For many cricket fans, especially Indian supporters, watching Kohli fall behind in the Test charts while Root surged ahead was painful—not just because of national pride, but because of what Kohli represented. He was passion personified. His game was not just about technique; it was about emotion, about wearing your heart on your sleeve.
To see him walk off with a lowered head, his bat dragging behind, as shown in the image, is almost symbolic. It isn’t just a player out of form—it’s a titan grappling with his own expectations.
And Root? Root does not scream, does not glare, does not pump his fist. He just bats. And that has been his greatest strength.
What Went Wrong?
While it’s easy to point fingers at form or technique, the truth behind Kohli’s downfall could be multifaceted:
- Captaincy pressure: Leading India across all formats, combined with IPL responsibilities, took a mental toll.
- Bio-bubble fatigue: Kohli himself admitted to emotional exhaustion in the bubble era.
- Changing team dynamics: As India moved toward a new leadership model, the transition may have affected his rhythm.
- Over-analysis: Kohli is one of the most studied batsmen in the world. Bowlers found patterns, and he perhaps didn’t evolve quickly enough.
A Downfall or a Pause?
Is this really a downfall, or just a prolonged pause in a legendary career?
Kohli’s legacy is already cemented. He’s inspired millions, redefined fitness in Indian cricket, and brought a fearless approach to the Test arena. One bad phase—or even a couple of barren years—can’t erase the mountain of achievements he’s built.
But yes, the gap between what he was and what he is today makes the decline feel sharper. And when compared to Root, who seems to be peaking with age, the contrast becomes even starker.
What This Teaches Us About Sport
Sport is a cruel but beautiful thing. It builds legends but also humbles them. It reminds us that even the greatest are not immune to failure. Kohli’s current phase, painful as it is for his fans, adds another layer to his story—a human one. The fight to reclaim lost glory might just become his greatest triumph if it comes.
And Joe Root? His story teaches us the value of patience, of perseverance without the noise. Not every legend roars—some simply rise.
Final Word
The narrative of Virat Kohli versus Joe Root in Tests is not just about statistics. It’s a saga of form, grit, identity, and evolution. Kohli might no longer be the king of Test cricket, but the throne isn't beyond reach. And Root, the unassuming heir, has claimed it without drama, only with excellence.
Time will tell whether Kohli can stage a comeback. But for now, the world watches—a little surprised, a little sad, but always in awe—of how cricket continues to be the most unpredictable, emotional, and poetic game of all.
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