'Even a 50 or 60 looks like a failure for Kohli' - Pragyan Ojha opines on Virat's two-year century-less slump

Virat Kohli had gone through a lean patch during 2020 and 2021 and the batter made everything seem easy with his masterclass against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 in October. The phase included the cricketer failing to score a century for almost two years. However, the star India batter maintained a considerable average during what was termed as his out-of-form phase. 

Former India spinner, Pragyan Ojha has highlighted the same aspect and has given insight into the high standards Kohli has set over the years. The stats reveal that the Test average of the right-handed batter dropped significantly during those two years, and was 26.2. But Ojha, kept the stat aside and backed the stalwart to evolve out of the rough phase. 

Also Read: Curtly Ambrose names Virat Kohli among batters he would love to bowl against

“When you talk about players like Virat Kohli, they’ve played more than a decade of international cricket. There will be a time when there are different challenges, and you’ll need to upgrade yourself. Legends of the game always evolve, and I expect him to evolve,” Ojha said as quoted by InsideSport.

Greats have had their challenges and overcame them: Ojha

The no-century streak was such that Kohli’s half-centuries were strayed away out of the room. The batter eventually registered a ton in an Asia Cup 2022 game against Afghanistan. Ojha commenting on the stature of the 35-year-old, said that it was just a matter of time before he got back to his usual self.

Also Read: Adam Gilchrist sides with Virat in Kohli-Root debate

“Greats have had their challenges and overcame them. I’m very sure Virat will always do that; it’s just a matter of time. Virat has set the benchmark so high that even a 50 or 60 looks like a failure for him. That’s just how he’s contributed to the Indian team. It’s just a phase; the way he trains and his work ethic—it’s just a matter of time (before he comes good),” he added.