Virat Kohli issues a stern warning to younger players amid struggles with red-ball form: 'Performance is key for selection...'

Team India's batting maestro Virat Kohli is currently facing criticism for his lackluster performance in red-ball cricket. Once known for his dominance in Test matches, Kohli has been struggling to make significant contributions with the bat lately. With only 2 Test centuries since 2020, his form is a cause for concern for the team. His average has dipped below 50, with opponents capitalizing on his weakness against deliveries outside the off-stump from fast bowlers and his difficulties facing off-spinners. In his last 30 Tests, Kohli has managed to score 1669 runs at an average of 32.72, which is a far cry from his usual standards. It remains to be seen if he can regain his form and once again become the formidable batsman that he is known to be.

Veteran Australia spinner Brad Hogg has advised Kohli to get his mojo back and regain form in the next 10 Test matches to give India a chance to claim their first World Test Championship title. Kohli has scored 392 runs in 5 matches in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.

"No, I think Virat Kohli should play out these next 10 Test matches over the next 15 weeks. See how he goes there. But he does have to improve. He has to lift his game. He's got to get that consistency again. If India are going to have a chance at winning the World Test Championship, here at number four is crucial," Hogg said on his YouTube Channel.

Hogg suggested that a number four batter plays a big role in the red-ball format to control the innings with other batters in the middle order and then switch foot on the accelerator while batting alongside the lower order.

"Number four is a vital position. It's a position where you can control the game, you can bat through the latter part of the innings, and with the explosive batting that they've got in that middle order, they definitely need Virat Kohli to really step up and play his role with the bat, batting through the innings right to the end," he added.

The veteran Aussie spinner feels that if Kohli doesn't regain his form, the selectors might consider replacing him with a young batter.

"If he can do that, then India will be very hard to beat in this World Test Championship. But he's got to start performing, otherwise, selectors are going to have to start thinking about whether they go for youth moving forward or they give you more opportunities," he added.