Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta has provided his insights into the ongoing struggles of Virat Kohli during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Dasgupta, who has been vocal about India’s cricketing issues, highlighted Kohli’s recurring technical problem with deliveries outside the off stump, a weakness that Australian bowlers have consistently exploited throughout the series.
Kohli’s Recent Struggles
The third Test in Brisbane was disastrous for both the Indian team and Virat Kohli. After starting the series with a brilliant century in Perth, Kohli’s form has since dipped. His scores in the subsequent matches have been disappointing: 7, 11, and 3, as he has continued to struggle against deliveries in the channel outside the off stump.
Kohli’s recent slump has raised concerns, with many cricketing experts pointing to his inability to tackle deliveries outside his off stump, an area where he has often been vulnerable. This problem has persisted for several years now, and despite his vast experience, Kohli has yet to fully overcome it in certain match conditions, especially when facing the Australian attack.
Dasgupta’s Advice
Dasgupta, known for his analytical approach to the game, has shared some important advice for Kohli in order to rediscover his rhythm and overcome this persistent weakness. According to Deep Dasgupta, Kohli needs to abandon his favourite shot, the cover drive, particularly in the early stages of his innings.
“As a player of your stature, it’s important to sometimes play within your boundaries,” Dasgupta stated. “Everyone knows what you’re capable of—you’ve already proven your greatness over the last 10-15 years. There’s nothing left to prove. But occasionally, you need to focus on staying within your limits. Once you find your rhythm, you can gradually expand those limits. For the first 20 balls, forget about your favourite shot.”
The idea, as Dasgupta explains, is for Kohli to temper his natural instincts and focus on playing a more conservative game initially, avoiding risky shots like the cover drive that could lead to getting out. By doing this, he can allow himself the time to settle into his innings and gradually build confidence. After getting a feel for the pitch and the bowling attack, Kohli can then start expanding his shot repertoire and play the shots that have made him one of the best in the world.
Kohli’s Performance in the Series
Despite his stellar century in Perth, Kohli’s form in the ongoing series has been far from ideal. He has scored a total of 126 runs across the five innings so far in the series, averaging just 31.50. This is a significant dip for a player of Kohli’s caliber, and it has led to growing concerns about his form, particularly in challenging conditions like those in Australia.
His Test average has also dropped to 47.49, which reflects his struggles in the series. While Kohli’s recent form in Tests has been a topic of much debate, he remains one of the best players of the modern era. However, as Dasgupta points out, at this stage of Kohli’s career, there is less pressure to prove his worth, and it’s more about managing his game to sustain his greatness.
What’s Next for Kohli?
With the series now in full swing, Kohli will need to address these technical flaws and show the kind of adaptability that has defined his career. While his legendary ability to play the cover drive has been a hallmark of his batting, sometimes focusing on solidifying his defense, especially in areas of weakness, will help him regain his rhythm and consistency.
Deep Dasgupta’s advice is a reminder that sometimes, less is more. Kohli’s focus should be on playing within his limitations initially, avoiding riskier shots like the cover drive, and building his innings from there. If he can do that, there is every chance he will find his groove again and play a pivotal role in India’s success in the remainder of the series.
Conclusion As Kohli seeks to regain his form in the series, the onus is on him to adjust his approach and work on rectifying his technical shortcomings. With Deep Dasgupta’s advice to forget his favourite shot for the first 20 balls, Kohli will look to get back to his best and lead India’s charge in the remaining Tests against Australia. Only time will tell if this advice helps Kohli return to his peak form.
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