'Aakash ki bolti WI series me hi band ho jaegi' - Fans react as Aakash Chopra says Virat Kohli is not part of 'Fab 4' at present

Aakash Chopra & Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Virat Kohli is no longer a member of the 'Fab 4' due to his declining performance in recent years. The term 'fabulous four' refers to the finest Test batters of the modern era, which includes Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson. All four were in peak form during 2014-19, however, Kohli has been unable to maintain consistency in the last few years.

The former Indian captain has suffered a major slump in form for nearly three years since the Covid-19 pandemic. Kohli regained his rhythm during the last Asia Cup but is still not at his best, especially in the longer format of the game. Meanwhile, the other three players have performed consistently during this period. Given this, Chopra said that we currently don't have a 'Fab 4' and insisted that it's just 'Fab 3' now.

“Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson were a sure shot 'Fab Four' at one point. In fact, even David Warner's name was present in that list. We are talking about Test cricket. We are talking about the period between 2014 and 2019. But we don't have a 'Fab Four' now, only a 'Fab Three',” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Kohli was unstoppable between 2014 and 2019: Aakash Chopra

Before pulling the star Indian batter off the elite list, Chopra highlighted Kohli's strong Test record between 2014 and 2019. "If we talk about Virat Kohli's performances between 2014 and 2019, he played 62 matches and scored 5695 runs at an average of 58.71 with the help of 22 centuries. Kohli was unstoppable. There was a home season where he scored four double-centuries. He was absolutely brilliant," the 45-year-old said.

In order to validate his statement, the former India opener presented Kohli's Test numbers since 2020. He also mentioned that the right-handed batter has scored only one century this year. Notably, Kohli also failed to contribute much in the World Test Championship 2021-2023 final against Australia.

“Virat Kohli's numbers have plummeted. He has played 25 matches - 1277 runs, which does not suit him. He has an average of 29.69 and he has scored just one century overall, which came against Australia on the Ahmedabad ground,” Chopra added.

Here's how fans reacted to Aakash Chopra's remark on Virat Kohli: 

Fab Two , Frankly. Smith, Root.

Both Kohli and KW have been inconsistent.

— UnBhakt (@VamosBangalore) July 9, 2023

Absolutely agree with him
Kohli is not even in Top 10 seeing current performance

— v. Jatin ✪ (@JatinTweets_) July 9, 2023

is aakash ki bolti wi test series me hi band ho jaegi 🙂

— Shaurya Pathak (@Shaurya05506595) July 9, 2023

There's no shame in accepting that he's right. Vk hasn't proved enough in tests now. As of now ac is right but let's see what Virat will do in future! I want him to shut the noise

— ѕнιναм 🖤 (@xshivam1) July 9, 2023

Inconsistent performance from 2020 is the reason, I agree with him.

— Kishan Kishor (@itskishankishor) July 9, 2023

The other 3 can't even come close to him in white ball cricket even if they are gonna have 100 births! 🤣

— RANADHEER ❤ (@Rannndheer18) July 9, 2023

Imagine on 12th, if Kohli fires🔥Aakash Jhopda will be trending on twitter.

— Yasin patel (@yasinrelay) July 10, 2023

Yeah that's a fab 3 because in all formats , Smith , kane and root not even close to virat. Vk above then

— Narwal ॐ (@negs154) July 9, 2023