Year Ender 2024: As 2024 wraps up, cricket enthusiasts are reflecting on a year that brought both triumphs and challenges for Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of his generation.

While his performances in Test cricket were underwhelming, the Indian maestro demonstrated his class in shorter formats, leaving an indelible mark on world cricket.

A Mixed Bag in Test Cricket

In Test cricket, Kohli's numbers were less than stellar. Across 19 innings in 2024, he managed to accumulate just 417 runs at an average of 24.52. Despite this, he registered one century and one half-century, with a significant knock of 58 in Cape Town against South Africa standing out.

The Cape Town Test showcased his ability to adapt to challenging conditions, contributing valuable runs on a bouncy wicket.

Kohli's performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was equally modest, scoring 167 runs in seven innings at an average of 27.83. He notched up a lone century but struggled overall, often falling victim to deliveries outside the off-stump, a persistent flaw in his technique.

IPL Heroics and T20 World Cup 2024 Glory

If 2024 marked struggles in the whites, Kohli's achievements in coloured clothing told a different story.

Leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli had a dream season, amassing 741 runs in 15 matches. His staggering average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.70 highlighted his dominance in the format. This performance silenced critics questioning his intent and reaffirmed his reputation as an IPL stalwart.

The pinnacle of Kohli's year was undoubtedly India's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Kohli played a pivotal role throughout the tournament, culminating in a match-winning knock of 76 in the final against South Africa.

His innings, filled with class and composure, helped India post a competitive total, ultimately securing their first ICC title in over a decade.

Kohli announced his retirement from T20 internationals following the victory, marking the end of an era for the Indian cricket team.

Legacy in Numbers

Kohli's overall career stats remain a testament to his greatness. In Test cricket, he has scored 9,166 runs in 121 matches at an average of 47.49, including 30 centuries. In ODIs, Kohli continues to be a dominant force, holding the record for the most centuries in the format.

2024, however, was not without its challenges. Kohli's overall international numbers for the year were modest, with 655 runs at an average of 21.83 across formats. This dip in form has raised questions about his longevity in Test cricket, with calls for a reassessment of his role in the red-ball format.

The Road Ahead

As 2025 approaches, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in Kohli's illustrious career. While his T20 journey has concluded, his ODI and Test ventures remain pivotal for India's fortunes.

For now, Kohli 3.0 stands as a beacon of resilience, proving that even amid struggles, greatness cannot be dimmed.