Will Virat Kohli bounce back to his vintage form in Champions Trophy?

In the realm of cricket, Virat Kohli is often the beacon of hope for India during challenging times. Whether it was his composed innings of 82 not out against Pakistan in Melbourne or his impressive 117 runs in the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbai, Kohli consistently rises to the occasion when the team needs him the most. His ability to deliver under pressure not only entertains the fans but also solidifies his reputation as one of the greats of the game.

However, following his stellar performance in the 2023 World Cup, where he amassed a staggering 765 runs and earned the Man of the Tournament award, Kohli's form has seen a downturn. He concluded the 2024 calendar year with only 655 runs, posting a concerning average of 21 across all formats. This dip in performance has raised questions about his consistency and ability to regain his touch.

Despite this, Kohli’s track record in ICC events suggests he may be primed for a resurgence. The Champions Trophy is set to begin tomorrow, and Kohli's statistics in the previous two editions speak volumes. He has scored a remarkable 529 runs at an impressive average of 88.16 in these high-stakes tournaments, showcasing his penchant for stepping up on the grand stage.

As India prepares to break its 12-year ODI trophy drought, Kohli's contributions will be pivotal. The team’s journey begins with a match against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on the 23rd, and a showdown with New Zealand on March 2.

The question looms large: Will Virat Kohli be able to harness his vintage form in the Champions Trophy and lead India to glory? Only time will tell if he can rise to the occasion once again and deliver the performances that fans have come to expect from him.