Why the Constant Scrutiny on Virat Kohli? Arjuna Ranatunga Calls for Respect and Freedom in Star Batter’s Career

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“Why Always the Spotlight on Him?” – Ranatunga Backs Kohli to Decide His Own Future

As Virat Kohli’s lean patch continues, former Sri Lanka captain and World Cup-winning legend Arjuna Ranatunga has spoken out against the relentless scrutiny surrounding the Indian batting superstar. According to Ranatunga, the constant spotlight on Kohli’s form and future is unnecessary, and the decision on his career should be left entirely to him.

Kohli, once the undisputed king of Indian cricket, has struggled with consistency across formats in recent months. His underwhelming performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy had already raised concerns, and his comeback in the Ranji Trophy with Delhi saw him score only 6 runs, doing little to silence his critics.

The pressure intensified after his failure in the second ODI against England in Cuttack, where he managed just 5 runs, following his absence from the Nagpur ODI due to injury. While the cricketing world continues to debate his place in the Indian squad, Ranatunga believes the relentless media pressure on Kohli is unwarranted.

“For a player like Kohli who has scored so many runs, I feel it’s best if that decision is left to him. Why always have the spotlight on him? It’s quite unnecessary. It’s his decision, so let him take that,” 

Ranatunga told The Telegraph.

Should Kohli Seek Advice from Cricketing Greats? Ranatunga Thinks So

While backing Kohli to make his own career decisions, Ranatunga also offered some advice—speak to cricketing legends who have experienced similar phases in their careers.

“I think what Kohli needs to do is speak to people like Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, or Rahul Dravid. They can certainly help him out,” 

Ranatunga suggested.

Kohli is known for his strong personality and mental resilience, but even the greatest players have sought guidance during difficult phases. Seeking insights from batting stalwarts who navigated challenging periods in their careers could provide Kohli with the clarity and technical adjustments he needs to rediscover his rhythm.

Kohli’s Form: A Slump or Just One Big Innings Away?

Kohli’s form has been a hot topic of debate, with numbers suggesting that his consistency has dropped significantly in the past few months.

Kohli’s Recent Scores in International Cricket:

  • Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Struggled with big scores, raising concerns.
  • Ranji Trophy (Domestic Return): 6 runs in his comeback match.
  • ODI vs England (Cuttack): 5 runs, failing to make an impact.

However, Ranatunga believes in Kohli’s class, stating that all it takes is one good innings for him to return to form.

“Given their stature and the kind of batsmen they have been, I feel it’s a matter of one good innings to regain their rhythm. Let’s see.”

Rohit Sharma, who was also under pressure ahead of the Cuttack ODI, responded brilliantly with a match-winning century (119 off 90 balls). Now, all eyes are on Kohli as he gets one final chance in the Ahmedabad ODI to prove that he still belongs among the best.

Should India Be Worried About Kohli’s Form Ahead of the Champions Trophy?

The biggest concern for Team India is whether Kohli’s form slump could affect their chances at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai.

🚨 Why This is a Concern:

  • Kohli’s experience is invaluable, but if he continues to struggle, can India afford to carry an out-of-form senior batter?
  • With younger talents like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer pushing for top-order spots, should India start thinking about transition planning?
  • Kohli’s record in ICC tournaments is strong, but will his Champions Trophy selection be based on past glory rather than current form?

While selectors and team management remain tight-lipped, fans and critics are divided—some believe he deserves full backing, while others feel it’s time for India to move forward.

Final ODI in Ahmedabad: Kohli’s Last Chance Before Champions Trophy Selection?

The third ODI against England in Ahmedabad on February 12, 2025, could be Kohli’s last chance to make a strong statement before the Champions Trophy squad finalization.

📅 Upcoming Match: India vs England, 3rd ODI
📍 Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM IST

With the ODI World Cup final heartbreak against Australia still fresh in the memory, Ahmedabad has been an emotional venue for Indian cricket. Can Kohli rewrite the script this time and prove that he is still the match-winner India needs?

Is Kohli Still India’s Best Bet or Time to Move On?

Arjuna Ranatunga has a valid point—Kohli deserves the freedom to decide his career trajectory, and the constant scrutiny may be unfair to a player of his stature. However, with the Champions Trophy around the corner, India cannot afford to make sentimental decisions.

🔹 If Kohli fires in Ahmedabad, the pressure will ease.
🔹 If he fails again, the questions about his long-term place in India’s ODI setup will only get louder.

What do you think? Should Kohli be given full backing despite his slump, or is it time for India to move forward? Share your thoughts!

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