Former India opener Aakash Chopra said that there is no discussion around the 71st century in international cricket or former skipper, Virat Kohli, but about his extended rough patch across all formats of the game. Chopra reckons that the matter has become a concerning situation for India, especially in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be commencing on October 16 in Australia.

Aakash Chopra said it’s becoming more and more evident that Virat Kohli seems to be losing his magic, adding that the ‘aura of invincibility’ is adding and the bowlers are no longer fearing the former India captain’s presence in the middle. With his place in the T20I side under scrutiny, Kohli decided to not plays the limited-overs games in West Indies and Zimbabwe. However, the selection committee and the team management has shown faith in him, picking him for Asia Cup 2022, starting August 27.

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In his column or ESPNCricinfo, Aakash Chopra wrote, “There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind about Virat Kohli’s class and his skills, and even if he doesn’t score another run-in international cricket from here on, he will still be regarded as one of the greatest to have played the game.”

He further added, “A man who did superhuman things and mastered all three formats like almost no others. Still, there’s also no hiding from the fact that the bat that worked like a magic wand isn’t obeying his commands anymore. The aura of invincibility has faded and his presence doesn’t instill the same fear in bowlers’ minds as it used to earlier.”

Shedding light on his thoughts on Virat Kohli’s lean patch, Aakash Chopra pointed out 2 areas of concern that he believes is not helping the former captain hit peak form. While acknowledging that cricketers have every right to take more breaks than before, Chopra said he is not entirely convinced about Kohli taking breaks in a bid to regain form.

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Aakash Chopra concluded, “For the longest time, the only way to get back into form for a top player was to play as much cricket as possible, even if it meant playing at a slightly lower level. Everyone went through that drill till about a decade ago. But nowadays, poor form is followed by breaks from the game. I’m not an expert and won’t pretend to be one but we really don’t know whether that’s the best approach towards regaining form and/or confidence.”