'Form of most premier batter is definitely a concern' - MSK Prasad on Virat Kohli's form slump ahead of BGT 2024-25

Former India chief selector MSK Prasad has expressed his concerns regarding star batter Virat Kohli's batting form ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The veteran's recent performances in the longest format of the game have been notably below his usual standards.

The 35-year-old has so far managed to score just 88 runs in four innings during the ongoing New Zealand series. This follows a disappointing run against Bangladesh, where he could only hit 99 runs across four innings. Speaking on Star Sports' 'Follow the Blues', Prasad mentioned the critical role Kohli played in India's historic 2018-19 series victory in Australia. 

"Hundred percent. If you look at the way he performed in the 2018 series, on one side he brought aggression into batting and on the other side (Cheteshwar) Pujara was holding the fort. So we are missing the combination those two had, caution with aggression," he said.

Virat Kohli definitely shines against big teams and on big occasions: MSK Prasad

During the 2018-19 series, Kohli contributed 282 runs at an average of 40.28, while Cheteshwar Pujara was the leading run-scorer with 521 runs at an average of 74.42. Meanwhile, former India spinner Sunil Joshi showed confidence about the Delhi-born's prospects in the upcoming tour of Australia. With WTC's final chances on the line, Kohli's performance will be crucial for the side's journey ahead.

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"Pujara was playing solidly on one side and Virat got aggression from the other end. The way Virat batted, he inspired everyone else. So the form of the most premier batter is definitely a cause for concern, that too with the ICC Test Championship and the points system that's there," the former India selector added.

"I am a hundred percent confident about the way Virat Kohli will start this tour. He might not have scored runs here (in India), but Virat Kohli definitely shines against big teams and on big occasions," he concluded.