Virat Kohli and Steve Smith: Striving to Reclaim Their Glory
Melbourne’s cricket nets are always abuzz with energy as players and coaches go through their routines, fine-tuning their skills. Among this flurry of activity, two familiar figures—India’s Virat Kohli and Australia’s Steve Smith—stand out. Both legends have carved their names among the greatest batters of all time. Yet, their present battles seem to be as much with themselves as with the opposition, as they aim to live up to the towering expectations they have set over the years.
During Tuesday’s practice sessions at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Smith was his usual vibrant self, immersed in a relentless pursuit of perfection. He arrived early, faced ball after ball, and even found time to cheerfully engage with teammates. On one occasion, he humorously pointed out Marnus Labuschagne’s dismissal by Pat Cummins, adding a touch of levity to the intensity.
Kohli’s approach, in contrast, radiates a fierce concentration. After Rishabh Pant, he was the first Indian batter to step into the nets. Unlike Smith’s casual chatter, Kohli demands silence, creating an atmosphere charged with his determination to succeed. His singular focus, often underscored by his insistence on space, signals the steely resolve that has defined his career.
This Test series, a prestigious chapter in the storied Border-Gavaskar rivalry, should ideally revolve around Kohli and Smith. At 36 and 35 years of age, respectively, they are not yet at the end of their cricketing journeys. Despite whispers of waning prowess, their reputation remains formidable, rooted in the brilliance they have consistently displayed over a decade. Yet, the spotlight has largely shifted elsewhere, with players like Jasprit Bumrah and Travis Head stealing the show.
For Kohli and Smith, this is unfamiliar territory. Both have been iconic figures, known for their ability to dominate opponents, but their current struggles have placed them in a challenging phase. Their performances in this series include a century each, but otherwise, their contributions have been modest. Kohli’s innings of 100 in Perth was followed by scores of 5, 7, 11, and 3, while Smith managed a century in Brisbane but recorded 0, 17, 2, and 4 in other matches.
The two greats are battling not only their opponents but also the weight of their own legacies. Questions about form and consistency have persisted throughout the year. Kohli’s average in nine Tests stands at 25.06, while Smith’s is 28.08 across eight matches. These figures represent uncharted lows in their illustrious careers.
Since his meteoric rise in 2013, Smith has been a dominant force in Test cricket, boasting an exceptional career average of 56.05. His numbers against India are even more impressive, with an average of 60.16 over 22 Tests. Kohli, despite a steeper decline in form, still holds an admirable career average of 47.49 and a notable record against Australia, with 2,016 runs in 28 Tests at an average of 46.12.
Amid these struggles, their connection with Melbourne could provide solace. Smith’s stellar record at the MCG—1,093 runs in 11 matches at an average of 78.07—is remarkable. Kohli, too, has performed well at the venue, scoring 316 runs in three matches at an average of 52.66. A return to a familiar and successful ground might reignite their confidence.
Despite their challenges, what stands out is their unwavering love for the game. Both veterans continue to display the grit and determination that defined their prime years. For them, the motivation is not external validation but a deep-seated desire to uphold their own standards.
As the Boxing Day Test unfolds, the cricketing world will watch with bated breath, hoping to witness glimpses of their enduring greatness. Regardless of the outcome, their passion and perseverance remain a testament to their legendary status, offering a poignant reminder of why they are revered by fans worldwide.