Virat Kohli remains one of India’s most important cricket players, and while the team has evolved into a more balanced unit in recent years, his influence extends far beyond just run-scoring – though his batting contributions continue to be critical to India’s success.
Recent Performances
Over the past 18 months (2024-2025), Kohli has delivered a mix of stellar performances and periods of adjustment, reflecting both his enduring class and the natural ebb and flow of a long and illustrious career. In the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup held in the West Indies and USA, he was India’s second-highest run-scorer with 298 runs at an average of 42.57, including a match-winning 68 off 45 balls against Australia in the Super 8 stage that helped secure a spot in the semi-finals. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a strike rate of 135.6 in the tournament was instrumental in India’s run to the final.
In the 2025 Indian Premier League, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli finished as the third-highest run-scorer overall with 673 runs from 17 matches, notching eight half-centuries and a highest score of 92. Though he couldn’t guide his team to victory in the final against Chennai Super Kings, his consistency throughout the tournament – particularly in high-pressure chases – reminded fans and critics alike of his match-winning prowess.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan proved to be another milestone for Kohli, as he averaged 54.5 across six matches, scoring 327 runs including three half-centuries and a crucial 89 in the semi-final against England. His partnership with Shubman Gill in the final against New Zealand, where he scored 63 off 72 balls to set up a competitive total, played a key role in India lifting the trophy for the third time.
In Test cricket, however, his form has been more modest. Across the last two series – against South Africa (2024) and New Zealand (2025) – he accumulated 283 runs in six matches at an average of 28.3, though he did score a gritty century (112) in the second Test against South Africa in Centurion and a fighting 76 in the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington. While he hasn’t dominated the longest format as he once did, his experience and technique remain vital when India faces challenging overseas conditions.
Leadership Influence
Even though Kohli stepped down from full-time captaincy across all formats in 2022, his presence in the dressing room continues to shape the team’s identity. He has been instrumental in driving a cultural shift in Indian cricket, emphasizing aggressive batting, relentless fitness standards, and a never-say-die attitude. His dedication to training – often arriving at the ground hours before teammates and staying back for extra net sessions – has set a benchmark that younger players strive to match.
Coaches and teammates regularly cite Kohli as a source of motivation and guidance. Young batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi have spoken about how Kohli spends time with them in the nets, sharing tips on shot selection and handling pressure. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has credited Kohli with helping him develop a more disciplined approach to batting in Test cricket, while pace bowler Mohammed Siraj has noted how Kohli’s encouragement during tough spells boosts the bowlers’ confidence.
Beyond on-field contributions, Kohli plays a key role in shaping team strategy, often engaging in detailed discussions with captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid about match plans and opposition analysis. His ability to read the game and make quick decisions in pressure situations is still one of India’s greatest assets.
Young Players and the Future
India’s cricket pipeline has never been stronger, with a new generation of talent making their mark across all formats. Shubman Gill has established himself as a world-class opener, averaging over 50 in ODIs and Tests since 2024, while Yashasvi Jaiswal has emerged as a destructive force in Test cricket, scoring four centuries in his first eight matches. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, at just 19, has shown remarkable maturity in limited-overs cricket, while Rishabh Pant’s return from injury has added depth to India’s middle order.
In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah remains the team’s pace spearhead, supported by emerging talents like Mukesh Kumar and Raj Bawa. Spin bowlers Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav continue to be vital in both home and overseas conditions. While these young players bring fresh energy and talent to the team, they still lack the experience and mental toughness that Kohli has developed over 15 years at the international level.
There have been matches where India has performed well without Kohli – such as the third Test against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2024, where Jaiswal and Gill scored centuries to lead India to victory but in high-stakes knockout games or against top-tier bowling attacks, his ability to absorb pressure and turn the tide of the match remains unmatched.
Verdict
Virat Kohli may no longer dominate the headlines with record-breaking centuries in every series, and he is no longer the sole “most important” player in a team that now boasts multiple match-winners across all departments. However, his combination of batting consistency, leadership influence, and ability to perform when it matters most makes him indispensable for India, especially in major tournaments.
As the team transitions to a new era, Kohli’s role is evolving from being the primary run-getter to a mentor and guiding force for the next generation. While young players will inevitably take center stage in the coming years, for now, Kohli remains a cornerstone of Indian cricket a player whose impact on the field, in the dressing room, and on the broader culture of the sport in India is simply irreplaceable.
Leave a Reply