The Decline of Cricketing Legends: A Look at Virat Kohli and Steve Smith
Cricket is a game that celebrates legends, but even the greatest players eventually face the harsh realities of time and performance. Currently, two modern batting giants, Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, are grappling with declining averages as they strive to regain their past form. Kohli’s average has slipped from a peak of 55 to 47, while Smith’s has decreased from a high of 65 to 56. This trend is not unique to them; cricket history is riddled with similar tales of decline among greats.
The Challenges of Maintaining Peak Performance
Among cricketers with 100 Test matches and 7,000 runs, only 18 maintain a 50+ average, with just three—Kumar Sangakkara, Steve Smith, and Jacques Kallis—averaging over 55. This highlights the difficulty of sustaining excellence in a sport that is increasingly competitive.
Lessons from the Legends
Icons like Ricky Ponting and Hashim Amla also experienced significant drops in their averages towards the end of their careers. Ponting’s average peaked at 59.99 but fell to 51.85 by his retirement. Similarly, Amla’s average dropped from nearly 53 to just over 45 in his final years. Such declines raise questions about the right moment to step away from the game.
Choosing the Right Time to Retire
Retirement is a challenging decision, often influenced by ongoing performance. Players like Alastair Cook and Mahela Jayawardene faced similar dilemmas. Cook retired at 33 with an average of 45, while Jayawardene’s average dipped below 50 only in his final Test.
As fans, we can only hope that Kohli and Smith find their rhythm again. Their journeys remind us that while legends are timeless, the game itself is unforgiving. For the latest updates on cricket and more, visit Looffers.com.
