‘King Kohli Writing Final Chapter Of His Story’

‘King Kohli Writing Final Chapter Of His Story’

‘Greatness isn’t just about what they achieve in their prime. It’s about how they adapt, endure, and finish.’
‘Kohli, Smith, and Root are writing the final chapters of their stories, and we should honour their courage as much as their brilliance.’

Virat Kohli, once renowned for his commanding starts and relentless aggression, now takes longer to settle into his innings. Photograph: Esa Alexander/Reuters

Batting legend Greg Chappell, whose tenure as coach of the Indian cricket team in the early 2000s was nothing short of contentious, has offered profound insights into the twilight struggles of cricket’s modern greats.

In a thought-provoking column for The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper, Chappell explored the phenomenon he calls ‘Elite Performance Decline Syndrome’ (EPDS) and its impact on the careers of players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and Joe Root.

Chappell’s observations are a poignant reflection on the inevitability of decline in elite athletes, particularly batters who once stood unchallenged.

Kohli gonna retire in 2028 after breaking Sachin’s 100s intl ton . Chill guys https://t.co/noQBhZ4SNo

— Sohel Says. (@Sohel_Creates) November 21, 2023

‘For players like Kohli, Smith, and Root, the end will come — not when others tell them, but when they know,’ Chappell writes.

Unlike a dramatic fall from grace, Chappell describes the decline of these icons as a subtle shift.

‘It’s not dramatic,’ he explains. ‘It’s subtle — a shift in approach, a caution that replaces the instinctive dominance of their prime.’

Kohli, once renowned for his commanding starts and relentless aggression, now takes longer to settle into his innings.

‘He now builds his innings differently, often needing 20 or 30 runs to regain the fluency that once came naturally,’ Chappell notes.

The hesitancy, he argues, signifies EPDS, where confidence erodes under the weight of expectations and fear of failure.

‘Confidence is everything for an elite athlete,’ Chappell writes.

‘When doubt creeps in, it disrupts the clarity required to dominate. Kohli’s internal battle is clear — his desire to attack versus his cautious approach to survival.’

For Steve Smith, whose unorthodox brilliance redefined batting, the decline has been more psychological than physical.

‘Smith’s decline has been more mental than physical,’ Chappell observes, citing the relentless fatigue of maintaining razor-sharp focus and meticulous preparation.

‘Fatigue both mental and physical is a silent enemy,’ he writes.

Joe Root‘s graceful stroke play and adaptability, hallmarks of his career, have not been immune to the creeping effects of EPDS. Chappell notes a subtle shift in Root’s intent, where risk-taking has diminished.

‘Root’s ability to dominate spinners and pace alike is still there, but his willingness to take risks has diminished,’ he says.

Chappell delves into the physiological and psychological underpinnings of EPDS, explaining how ageing impacts the mind and body of athletes.

‘These changes are inevitable,’ he writes. ‘The challenge is how players like Kohli, Smith, and Root adapt to them.’ Translate in english in outher way

Greatness is not just defined by what athletes achieve at their peak but by how they adapt, persevere, and conclude their journey. Players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Joe Root are now navigating the final stages of their illustrious careers, and their courage in facing these challenges deserves as much respect as their brilliance in their prime.

In a reflective column for The Sydney Morning Herald, former Indian cricket coach and batting legend Greg Chappell sheds light on what he terms “Elite Performance Decline Syndrome” (EPDS). He examines how this subtle yet inevitable phenomenon is shaping the twilight years of modern cricket’s biggest stars.

Chappell points out that the decline of elite players is not abrupt or dramatic but rather a gradual change. It is marked by a shift in their approach and mindset, where instinctive dominance is replaced by caution.

Virat Kohli, who was once known for his fearless starts and relentless aggression, now takes time to find his rhythm. According to Chappell, Kohli’s innings often begin slowly, with the first 20–30 runs serving to restore the fluency that used to come effortlessly. This measured approach, he explains, is a sign of EPDS, a condition where confidence begins to waver under mounting expectations and fear of failure.

“Confidence is the cornerstone of an elite athlete’s success,” writes Chappell. “When doubts creep in, they disrupt the clarity needed to excel. Kohli’s struggle is evident – the tension between his natural attacking instincts and a newfound cautiousness.”

Steve Smith, famed for his unconventional style and brilliance, faces a different challenge. Chappell suggests that Smith’s decline is rooted more in mental fatigue than physical limitations. The relentless focus and preparation required at the highest level have taken their toll.

“Fatigue, both mental and physical, is a quiet adversary,” Chappell explains, adding that Smith’s extraordinary focus has begun to waver under its weight.

Joe Root, celebrated for his elegant strokes and versatility, is also showing signs of a shift. While his technical abilities remain intact, Chappell observes that Root has become more risk-averse, altering his approach to the game.

“Root’s skill in handling both spin and pace remains, but his willingness to take risks has noticeably diminished,” he notes.

Chappell also delves into the psychological and physiological aspects of EPDS, explaining how aging impacts the mental and physical resilience of elite athletes. The key, he asserts, lies in how players like Kohli, Smith, and Root adapt to these inevitable changes.

For these cricketing greats, the final chapter will not be defined by their numbers but by their ability to embrace change and continue contributing to the game in their own way.

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