NEW DELHI: The two modern-day greats, Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, have faced a challenging year in 2024, struggling to make an impact with the bat. In contrast, their fellow “Fab Four” members, Kane Williamson and Joe Root, have enjoyed a stellar run, showcasing remarkable form throughout the year.
Root and Williamson have been in scintillating form, smashing six and four Test hundreds respectively. In stark contrast, Kohli and Smith have managed just one century each, both scored during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri reflected on the shifting fortunes of these players in Test cricket, highlighting the resilience and hunger that continue to make Kohli and Smith formidable opponents despite their recent challenges.
“I think they (Kohli and Smith) will have slipped down the ranks on current form because you know you’ve got the likes of Root taking off, there’s Williamson doing well, Harry Brook has come onto the scene, you know there are a lot of other young players pushing but these are class players,” Shastri said.
“In a situation like this, you know they’ll be dangerous because they’ll be hungry.”
Shastri praised Smith’s resilience, citing his gritty innings at the Gabba against India, where the Australian maestro notched up his 33rd Test century.
“What’s needed you saw from Smith. It might have been a struggle early on but he was prepared to play the waiting game and be disciplined,” Shastri noted.
Shastri expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to reclaim his peak form, emphasising that the issue isn’t with his overall form but rather with navigating the crucial early phase of his innings.
“I think the same with Virat,” Shastri added. “If Virat gets over that first 30, 40 minutes, with serious application and discipline, I don’t think he’s (out of form), none of these guys are out of form.”