Virat Kohli is no longer in his prime. The exceptional years he experienced from 2014 to 2019 are now a distant memory. While Kohli remains a talented player and could potentially regain his form with a standout performance, even his best efforts today cannot compare to the remarkable batting he displayed during those peak years. He made the art of batting appear effortless, excelled in run chases, and achieved what many deemed impossible—surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries. During his prime, no target was insurmountable when Kohli was at the crease, as evidenced by the experiences of bowlers like Lasith Malinga, Umar Gul, James Faulkner, and Haris Rauf.

Those glorious memories should be cherished, yet the current Kohli is a shadow of his former self. Although he may still exhibit moments of brilliance, the fierce determination that characterized his batting prowess has diminished. At 36 years old and struggling to accumulate runs, Kohli must make significant improvements swiftly—ideally by the third ODI against England. With India's Champions Trophy campaign commencing in just nine days, he has limited time to reclaim his former glory.

Presently, Kohli's future seems uncertain for the first time. While his legacy remains intact, his current performance raises concerns. With approximately 90 runs against New Zealand and a mere 190 runs in five Tests in Australia, Kohli appears to be out of form and lacking direction. Hopes were high that the ODIs against England would serve as a turning point, but unfortunately, that has not materialized. He missed the opening match due to a knee injury and was dismissed for just 5 runs in Cuttack.

What lies ahead for the King? How long should he continue his career? Is the tour of England still on the agenda? According to Arjuna Ranatunga, it may be prudent for Kohli to step back from the limelight and chart his course.

Ask for help from legends if need be

Ranatunga believes that in light of Kohli's persistent difficulties with batting, it may be beneficial for him to consult with some of India's cricketing legends to address his issues. Before his Ranji Trophy match against Railways, Kohli was observed practising in the nets alongside former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar. During Kohli's challenging tour of England in 2014, he sought advice from Sachin Tendulkar, and Ranatunga recommends a similar approach now.

"I think it would be advantageous for Kohli to engage with figures such as Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, or Rahul Dravid. They could undoubtedly provide valuable assistance," he remarked.

With Rohit Sharma returning to form and scoring 119 on Sunday, attention is now focused on Kohli to also secure a significant innings.

Read Also: Rohit Sharma’s Fearless ODI Mindset Earns Praise from Ex-Pakistan Star: ‘What’s the Worst That Can Happen?’

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