Virat Kohli’s ongoing battle with inconsistency has become a growing concern for Indian cricket fans and experts alike. The talismanic batter’s tendency to chase deliveries outside the off-stump has repeatedly cost him crucial wickets, as seen during India’s recent chase against Australia.
Walking in at a precarious 22/2, Virat Kohli had an opportunity to stabilize the innings alongside KL Rahul. However, he succumbed to an all-too-familiar error, chasing a wide delivery from Josh Hazlewood and edging it to Alex Carey behind the stumps. His departure left India struggling at 22/3, and the collapse continued, with the team eventually slumping to 44/4 in their daunting chase of 445.
Fans and cricket analysts were quick to voice their frustrations, accusing Virat Kohli of not adapting to his recurring flaw. Many labeled his dismissals as a result of “arrogance” and a refusal to learn from past mistakes.
Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar shared similar concerns, emphasizing Kohli’s need to exercise patience at the crease. Speaking to Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar highlighted the worrying trend in Kohli’s dismissals against Australia.
“In the earlier three dismissals, there was nothing wrong. (But) this one, he brought this upon himself because he could’ve left that ball well alone,” Gavaskar remarked.
He further pointed out Kohli’s habit of chasing deliveries angled across by bowlers like Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Sunil Gavaskar advised Kohli to adopt a more measured approach, urging him to leave balls outside the off-stump and wait for opportunities rather than playing into the bowlers’ hands.
“He has now got out in a similar manner, not just in this series but against the Australians in general. He needs to play through the rough periods with calm rather than chasing everything thrown his way,” Gavaskar added.
Cricket fans and experts hope that Kohli will take these lessons to heart and return to his match-winning best.
