India’s veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara has raised concerns about Virat Kohli’s technique against the new ball, following Kohli’s dismissal in the ongoing third Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. Kohli was dismissed for a mere 3 runs on Day 3 of the match, edging a delivery outside the off-stump to Alex Carey behind the wickets2.
SOURCE : ZEE
Pujara, who has been Kohli’s teammate for many years, pointed out that Kohli’s technique is not suited for facing the new ball. “We were discussing that he has been forced to play the new ball2. He gets out whenever he has played the new ball. When he played the old ball, he scored a hundred in Perth2. So that’s also a very big point,” Pujara told Star Sports.
Source:- bbc news
Pujara emphasized that Kohli’s batting should ideally come after 10, 15, or 20 overs, when the bowlers are not as fresh and their confidence is not as high. “If he plays the new ball, the bowlers are fresh, and their confidence is also high2. When they get two wickets, the entire team is charged up. So when you come to bat at that stage, it’s not easy2.”
Kohli’s struggles against the new ball have been evident throughout the series. Early dismissals in the top order have meant Kohli has invariably come in to play the fresh Kookaburra in four of the five innings he has played this series1. Despite his efforts to leave the ball outside the off-stump, Kohli has found it difficult to resist the temptation to chase wide deliveries.
Pujara highlighted that Kohli requires a mental adjustment more than any technical one. “In the match, for some reason, he wants to leave the ball but is unable to, and the bat is going there2. So he will have to stop himself. He will have to change his mindset2. There is a technical part that you are playing a delivery outside off-stump. However, if you have to leave the same delivery, it’s not a very big technical adjustment but he needs to make a bigger mental adjustment2.”
After Kohli’s dismissal, India found themselves in a precarious situation at 51/4, putting them under immense pressure against the Australian side. Kohli’s technique against the new ball has been a point of discussion among fans and experts alike, with many agreeing that a change in approach might be necessary for him to regain his form.
Pujara’s comments have sparked a debate about Kohli’s future in Test cricket and whether he can adapt his technique to be more effective against the new ball. As India continues to fight in the third Test, all eyes will be on Kohli to see if he can make the necessary adjustments and lead his team to victory.
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