'Remember the last time Virat scored 100? Even I don't': Sehwag makes huge prediction, says Kohli's 'bad days' are over
The last time Virat Kohli scored an international century was in November of 2019 – more than two years ago.
Former India captain Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bangalore's wait for the elusive IPL title dragged further after they lost to Rajasthan Royals in the qualifier last month. Kohli himself endured a tough season with the bat, averaging just 22.73 across the tournament, his lowest since the 2010 season. The star batter also recorded three golden ducks – a rare sight for someone of his calibre. (Also Read | 'Shoaib Akhtar who?': Speedometer shows Bhuvneshwar bowl a 208 kph delivery against Ireland, Twitter left baffled)
Kohli, who hasn't scored an international century for over two years, faces a stiff challenge in England, especially at a stage when his form with the bat has been dodgy. The last time Kohli scored an international century was in November of 2019 – more than two years ago. His slump in form has led to many former players including Ravi Shastri saying the batter should take a break to perhaps freshen up his mind.
But Virender Sehwag has backed Kohli to score big in the rescheduled Test, beginning July 1. The veteran opener underlined Kohli's innings in the warm-up game against Leicestershire and predicted he will find his lost mojo in the fifth Test.
“Do you remember when was the last time, Kohli scored a century? Even I don’t remember. He would definitely want that he scores big in this Edgbaston Test which is the series decider,” Sehwag told on Sony’s pre-match show ‘Extra Innings.’
“I think his bad days are over. Ab lagta hai behtar din ayenge (I think now his better days will come) and they have already started. He has scored fifty in both the innings.” (Kohli scored a fifty in the 2nd innings and he scored 33 runs in the first innings,” Sehwag added.
Kohli was rested for the home T20I series against South Africa, which ended in a 2-2 draw. He has failed to score a century in more than 100 matches in all formats. But the 33-year-old Indian showed his batting prowess in the four-day warm-up game against Leicestershire. He hit 33 runs in the first innings and 67 in the second.
The upcoming fifth Test was originally scheduled to be played last September at Old Trafford in Manchester, but a coronavirus outbreak in the India camp forced the Test to be postponed. India lead 2-1 after four games and can win their first Test series in England since 2007 if they avoid defeat.