Like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli feels more at home away from home: Sanjay Manjrekar
Virat Kohli has not been able to match up to his lofty standards at home Tests in the last few years. In the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the legendary cricketer registered scores of six and 17 in the two innings. He is averaging only around 32 in home Tests since 2021. The average drops below 30 for Tests played in the subcontinent since 2021.
However, Sanjay Manjrekar has come out in defence of the talismanic batter, saying that he stamps his authority in overseas Tests like the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Manjrekar gave the example of India’s tour of South Africa last year when Kohli finished as the highest run-getter for his side and second overall, amassing 172 runs from four innings at an average of 43.
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“He is not enjoying batting in India as much. Like Tendulkar, I think he feels more at home away from home. We saw that in South Africa, how well he played. He was by far India’s best batter. So, that’s fine. Better to get runs away from home than at home,” said Manjrekar on ESPNCricinfo.
Kohli’s numbers in recent years
Kohli had a fantastic average of 68 in Tests in 2019. However, the next three years saw him averaging 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. The 35-year-old found form in 2023, scoring 671 runs from 12 innings at an average of 55.91. However, his first Test match in 2024 didn’t turn out to be a memorable one.
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India are set to play another Test match against Bangladesh before hosting New Zealand for a three-match series. This will give India a chance to iron out their flaws ahead of the marquee Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting in November. Kohli’s form is going to be crucial as he has a fantastic record Down Under, averaging 54.08 from 13 matches.