Returning to action for the first time since the T20I World Cup 2024, Indian batting legend Virat Kohli has recorded a sudden drop-off in his form in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka. Kohli hasn’t been able to operate in the way he is known to play, constantly struggling against spin. 

In the last two innings, Kohli has found it enormously difficult to withstand Sri Lanka’s spin attack, having been trapped LBW on both occasions. This is for the first time Virat Kohli is being seen in action since India’s title win at the T20I World Cup 2024. 

After the T20I World Cup 2024, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is, but decided to continue playing ODIs and Tests. The first ODI against Sri Lanka resulted in a tie, while the second match was won by Sri Lanka to lead the series 1-0. Seeing Virat Kohli’s struggle, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed his surprise by saying that how a player like Kohli can struggle against spin. 

"A great batsman like Virat Kohli, the world's number one batsman, has been out LBW twice. It's understandable if it happens to Iyer or Dube, but Virat Kohli is Virat Kohli. This means that he is not in practice," Basit Ali said on his YouTube Channel.

Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul also made their return to the team but have been out of touch, not being able to help the side with runs. Basit felt that India have entered the series without having enough preparation under their belt. 

"It did not seem that this is the batting lineup which rules the world. I feel that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul probably haven't even practiced. These people have come without practice," he said.

"I don't understand what is Shreyas Iyer going to do with such performances. I think the time has come for Rishabh Pant, Riyan Parag, and Rinku Singh. India's 50-over domestic tournament will be vital for Gautam Gambhir because he will have to take some players from there. If India pick players based on reputation, the results won't be too good in the Champions Trophy," he added.