How has Virat Kohli fared vs leg-spinners in IPL?
What's the story
The celebrated Indian cricketer, Virat Kohli, has been struggling against leg-spin in white-ball cricket.
The same could impact his performances in the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), starting on March 22.
This challenge comes as Kohli aims to power Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden title.
Here we look at how he has fared vs leg-spinners in the gala competition.
Performance analysis
Kohli's struggles against leg-spin: A closer look
Kohli's recent performances have raised eyebrows, with critics noting his inability to adapt.
He was seen struggling against Adil Rashid in the ODI series against England earlier this year.
In India's Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh, he found himself out while attempting a cut shot.
As per ESPNcricinfo, Kohli has been dismissed by leggies four times across five white-ball outings (all ODIs) this year.
He averages a mere 15 in this battle.
Stats
Kohli's recent struggles vs leg-spin
Kohli's tally of 1,380 runs is the most for a batter in the last two IPL seasons.
While he has averaged 57.50 since 2023, his numbers against leg-spin haven't been too impressive.
He has been dismissed by these bowlers four times across 15 innings since 2023. His average comes down to 39.75 in this regard (SR: 121.37).
Impact
Age and pressure: Factors affecting Kohli's performance
At 36, Kohli's age could be affecting his reflexes and body movements, making it difficult for him to perform like he did a decade ago.
The pressure of discovering ways to counter leg-spin and left-arm spin could also be taking a toll on him.
He could be putting too much pressure on himself to find gaps in the field, which could add to his woes against these types of bowling.
Impressive numbers
Overall average of 50-plus vs leg-spin
Meanwhile, leg-spinners have not always been Kohli's nemesis as his overall record against them is mighty impressive.
He has accumulated 1,107 runs against them in his IPL career at a terrific average of 50.31. His strike rate reads 135.82.
Kohli has fallen prey to these bowlers 22 times across 106 IPL innings. The batting talisman would be determined to enhance these numbers in the upcoming season.
Career
Most runs in IPL history
Kohli has been a consistent performer for RCB, having played 252 matches and scored an impressive 8,004 runs at an average of 38.66.
The 35-year-old leads the runs tally by miles as Shikhar Dhawan is the next-best batter (6,769).
In the last season alone, he scored 741 runs and won the prestigious Orange Cap.
Kohli owns the most IPL tons (8), while his tally also includes 55 half-centuries.