Virat Kohli labelled 'one of the best players against spin' by Wasim Jaffer despite recent horror show

The cricket world is currently buzzing with concern after Virat Kohli's mysterious struggles against spin during India’s humiliating 0-3 Test series whitewash at the hands of New Zealand at home.

His inability to tackle spin, once his strongest area, has left fans and experts scratching their heads. The former Indian captain, who had previously dominated the likes of Saeed Ajmal and other spin legends early in his career, has been facing a really tough time against the spinners lately.

Wasim Jaffer surprised by Virat Kohli’s struggle against spin after India’s crushing whitewash

Virat Kohli managed only 93 runs at a paltry average of 15.50 across six innings against New Zealand at home. Reacting to the batting stalwart’s poor form, the former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has expressed his surprise at Virat Kohli’s recent form, especially against spin.

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Jaffer admitted that Virat Kohli’s struggle against spin was a huge opposite to his earlier brilliance in Test cricket. However, Wasim Jaffer acknowledged that Kohli’s dip in form might be temporary, but the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be a defining moment for the former Indian captain and Rohit Sharma.

Rohit Sharma also endured a miserable run against New Zealand in the recent home Test series. He scored only 91 runs at an average of 15.17. Rohit Sharma has been known for his resilience on turning pitches, but the Indian captain's recent inability to cope with both spin and seam bowling has raised concerns ahead of the much-awaited five-match Test series against Australia.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can not be judged on one series: Wasim Jaffer

Well, Wasim Jaffer defended both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma by emphasizing that players of their caliber cannot be judged based on a single series. Highlighting the importance of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 for both Kohli and Rohit, Jaffer has stressed that the batting icons’ immense experience and skill will be crucial for the team’s chances in Australia.

Wasim Jaffer said on Sports Tak: “I feel Virat was probably one of the best players (against spin), considering the way I saw him playing (Saeed) Ajmal and other players at the start of his career. I am myself actually surprised that Virat is getting out like this. Obviously, it's a loss of form.”

The cricket pundit further noted, “Even Rohit Sharma has played some incredible knocks on turning tracks. You can't question that they don't have the skill. It seems like it is a slight form and shot selection issue. How this series (Border-Gavaskar Trophy) goes will hold a lot of importance. They are far too great players to be judged on one series.”

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Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin saved us last time: Jaffer

Jaffer noted that India has been struggling for a long time, saying if Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin were not scoring runs, they would have lost the last Test series to Australia.

He signed off by saying, “Based on what we have seen, the Indian team are struggling a little and they have been struggling for a long time. If I talk about the home series we won against Australia, that was also very tight. There I feel a few innings from Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin's partnership saved us, or else I felt we could have lost that series as well.”