Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma Against Spin in Tests: Who’s Struggling More, and Why?

In their celebrated Test careers, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have crafted masterpieces against all bowling styles. However, their recent records against spin, especially in Asian conditions, have raised questions about their vulnerability in this department. As both were dismissed cheaply by New Zealand’s spinners in the ongoing Test series, it became essential to examine their performances against spin in detail, particularly in recent years.

Overall Performance Against Spin

Rohit Sharma’s Record Against Spin in Tests

Rohit has maintained a respectable overall Test average of 46.30 against spin, showcasing resilience and class against most spin types:

• He performs strongly against right-arm spinners, with an average of 51+ against off-spin and an even higher average against leg-spin.
• However, left-arm orthodox spinners have proven to be his Achilles’ heel. Against them, Rohit averages 36.40, with 20 dismissals, indicating a struggle against the ball spinning away from him.

Virat Kohli’s Record Against Spin in Tests

Kohli’s overall record is impressive, with a Test average of 56.10 against spin, marked by notable consistency:

• His numbers against leg-spin are stellar, averaging 89.10, and he thrives against left-arm orthodox spin with an average of 62.80.
• Off-spin, however, has troubled him slightly more. Kohli averages 46.90 against off-spin, and while the average is still solid, the 41 dismissals to off-spin in Tests suggest it is a relative weakness, especially as the ball comes into him on Asian pitches.

Recent Numbers Against Spin (Since 2022)

In the last two years, both players’ records against spin have taken a noticeable dip, pointing to changing dynamics in their games.

Rohit Sharma’s Recent Struggles

• Rohit has faced significant challenges, particularly against left-arm spinners, who continue to find ways to exploit his weaknesses outside the off-stump and his tentative footwork. This has been apparent in both subcontinental pitches and overseas tours.
• His recent dismissals often stem from reaching out to deliveries that spin away, leading to edges or lbw. As a result, his average against left-arm orthodox spinners has seen a considerable decline compared to his overall record.

Virat Kohli’s Recent Struggles

• Kohli’s issues against spin since 2021 have been surprising, especially considering his previous dominance. His struggles are primarily against off-spinners in Asia, with frequent dismissals and an average that has dipped below 30 in this period.
• Kohli’s dismissals often occur when he tries to play on the front foot against spin, occasionally getting trapped lbw or bowled due to misjudged strides or poor shot selection. Additionally, Kohli’s overreliance on pre-determined footwork, combined with spinners targeting his stumps, has led to increased dismissals.

What’s Causing Their Struggles?

1. Footwork and Technical Adjustments:
   • Rohit’s tendency to reach out against left-arm spin or play with hard hands has been exploited by oppositions, often leading to edges or miscues.
   • Kohli’s vulnerability against spin, particularly off-spin, stems from a more static front foot that doesn’t allow him to adapt quickly to late turns.
2. Evolving Spin Tactics Against Both:
   • Oppositions have picked up on Rohit’s tendency to struggle against the ball spinning away, especially in conditions where grip and turn are substantial.
   • Against Kohli, spinners bowl straighter, often in a shorter length around off-stump, negating his forward stride and testing his reflexes.
3. Psychological Factors:
   • Given their struggles, both Rohit and Kohli may be under extra pressure against spinners, affecting their timing and shot selection, resulting in them second-guessing their footwork.

Conclusion: Who Is Struggling More?

While both players have faced challenges, Kohli’s recent struggles against off-spin in particular are statistically more concerning, as he has been dismissed repeatedly in situations where he previously dominated. Rohit’s issues against left-arm spin are well-documented and continue to persist, but Kohli’s broader decline against spin since 2022 may suggest a deeper issue in adapting his footwork and shot selection to spinning conditions.

Both players will need tactical adjustments to address these struggles as they aim to reclaim their consistency against spin, which has historically been a strength for Indian batters.