He says Virat Former Australian captain and renowned batter Ian Chappell has urged Indian superstar Virat Kohli to eliminate his on-field antics and focus on improving his consistency, which he believes would significantly benefit India in the upcoming five-match Test series against England. Kohli, who had a poor run in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, managed only 190 runs across nine innings. Despite his struggles, Chappell is confident that Kohli will feature in the England series, as his experience in the United Kingdom could prove crucial for India.
Chappell, in his column for ESPNcricinfo, highlighted Kohli’s potential to bounce back but emphasized the need for him to enhance his consistency and take on a more mature role within the team. He stressed that Kohli’s experience in English conditions makes him an asset, but his on-field behavior, such as the incident involving Sam Konstas during the MCG Test, needs to be curbed. Chappell pointed out that Kohli’s leadership, particularly in guiding younger players, would be vital as India faces a challenging tour.
He also remarked on the potential implications of Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, warning that losing both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would create a significant void in India’s batting lineup. Chappell’s comments reflect both his acknowledgment of Kohli’s importance to the team and his belief that the batter must channel his energy more effectively to contribute to India’s success in the demanding series ahead.