Published By: Sayan Guha

IND vs. NZ Test: Has Spin Bowling Become Virat Kohli's Kryptonite?

Virat Kohli’s battles with spin continue to haunt him, especially on Asian pitches

When the Indian squad hits the pitch, expectations are usually high. However, India’s historic record of 18 straight home Test series triumphs ended with a 2-0 defeat to New Zealand. The once-unbeatable stronghold has been shattered, and in the wreckage lies a more profound concern: Virat Kohli’s ongoing struggles against spin bowling. His failure to overcome this obstacle is as evident as a full toss that he ought to have stored.

Kohli vs. the spinners

It’s not that Kohli’s technique has gone out the window, but something appears amiss, especially when facing spin at home. Since 2021, Kohli has been dismissed by spinners 21 times in Asia. Let that sink in—21 times. Left-arm orthodox bowlers have been responsible for 10 of the dismissals. Numbers like this might cause anyone to question, “What is wrong?”

Consider his recent firing in Pune, for instance. Mitchell Santner, New Zealand’s cunning left-arm spinner, delivered a sluggish full toss that should have easily hit the ropes. Instead, it went beneath Kohli’s bat, rattling the stumps. It was a stunning sight: Kohli on one knee, gazing at the ground as if it had betrayed him. Fans, too, were left startled and unsure how to respond.

A decline in his fortress

Kohli averaged 68.9 at home against spinners from 2012 to 2020, demonstrating his supremacy at the time. However, from 2021 and 2024, that average dropped to 32.9. This is not a gentle drop but a nosedive, similar to a jet losing altitude without notice.

Kohli’s performance against spinners reflects India’s struggles in the current series. In the first Test in Bengaluru, he was comfortably on 70 when Glenn Phillips of New Zealand bowled him out. The ball was not spectacular in any way, but Kohli’s response to it said volumes. His formerly unwavering confidence seemed to fade, and the holes in his batting castle were appearing.

The left-arm orthodox conundrum

Kohli’s dismissal trend highlights his troubles. Since 2021, he has averaged only 27.10 against left-arm orthodox spinners like Santner. This is in stark contrast to the comfortable movement and assurance with which he formerly glided down the track and suffocated spin bowlers.

Kohli’s approach lately lacks the refinement that formerly distinguished his batting. He’s been playing with wider stances, attempting more sweeps, and even trying his hand at unusual slog sweeps. However, these advances have not produced the anticipated effects. Instead, they’ve highlighted his weakness to spin on deteriorating Asian wickets.

An urgent need for a remedy

These figures are surprising and frightening for a guy who has scored over 9,000 Test runs. Kohli’s troubles are more than individual clashes with Santner and Phillips; they indicate a greater issue: India’s top-order struggles against excellent spin assaults. With the squad in transition and key players like Pujara and Rahane no longer performing at their best, Kohli’s job becomes even more critical.

The issue has even inspired cricket star Sunil Gavaskar to express his worry. Gavaskar criticised Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s choice to boycott the Duleep Trophy before the home Test season.

Kohli’s contemporary challenge

Kohli’s battle is not only technical but also mental. The pressure has only increased as India recovers from their first home series loss in almost a decade. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is on the horizon, and the stakes have never been higher. India needs to win four of their following six Tests, one against New Zealand and five against Australia, to maintain their ICC World Test Championship chances.