"This should guide the selection process" - Sunil Gavaskar mentions key factor that could decide Virat Kohli's future after BGT 2024-25

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar felt Virat Kohli's future in Test cricket should hinge on whether he would play until the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) final. His remarks came after Kohli finished his tour of Australia with another low score in the fifth and final Test at Sydney.

The 36-year-old scored only 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75, with the lone 50+ score (an unbeaten century in the first innings of the opening Test). Kohli's Test future has been questioned, considering his continued poor form and outside off-stump frailties.

Speaking about the veteran batter on India Today after the second day's play in Sydney, Gavaskar said:

"As a non-decision maker, I believe it’s up to the selection committee to decide the way forward. Ajit Agarkar is someone who will make the right decision for Indian cricket. What I’ve been emphasising over the last 8–10 days is that we need to consider who will be available for the 2027 World Test Championship final. The new cycle begins with the England series in June, and it’s important to assess which players are likely to be around in 2027."

He added:

"Ultimately, the selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, need to look at who will be available for the 2027 final and who will still be selectable. As for this match, if India wins tomorrow, they still have a chance to make it to the World Test Championship final. " After that, the focus will shift to the England tour."

Kohli has scored only three centuries in his last 39 Tests, stretching over five years, resulting in his overall average sinking from the mid-50s in 2019 to under 47.

"It’s a technical fault" - Sunil Gavaskar

BORDER GAVASKAR TROPHY TEST: JAN 04 fifth NRMA Insurance Test - Source: Getty

Sunil Gavaskar felt Virat Kohli's barren run and outside off-stump weaknesses stemmed from a technical issue of the batter being too front-footed.

The former captain has been nicked off from a similar line and length in each of his eight dismissals in the ongoing Australian series.

"It’s not a temperament issue; it’s a technical fault. He's so front-footed that when the ball bounces, he's unable to adjust, which leads to him hanging his bat outside the line and getting out. This flaw has become embedded in his technique, and on pitches with significant bounce, he will continue to struggle," said Gavaskar.

Despite the recent struggles and uncertain future, Kohli's Test record remains stellar with over 9,000 runs and 30 centuries in 123 outings.