Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has some up with an advice for star India batter Virat Kohli who’s been struggling against spin in recent times in Test cricket. Kohli got dismissed for 18th time against spin since 2021 on Day 2 of the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh.
The right-handed batter missed a straight delivery while trying to work the ball towards the on side and was adjudged lbw. However, replays showed that Kohli had edged the ball onto his pads but didn’t opt for DRS. Reflecting on his dismissal, Shastri mentioned Kohli’s weakness against spin and advised him to use his feet to unsettle the spinners.
“He has [gotten out to spinners] especially in the last 2-3 years. But he has scored a lot of runs too. What you want to see him do more is use his feet. Get to the pitch of the ball, probably employ the sweep. You’ve got to move with the times, don’t be afraid to go over the top when the field is up. You could try and do things to unsettle the spinners rather than allowing him to keep bowling at you. It’s what he did a lot when he scored a lot of runs,” said Shastri on commentary.
Further speaking ahead, Shastri mentioned how the tracks prepared for India’s home Tests in recent times haven’t been easy to bat on.
“Also some of the tracks that India have played on. It’s not been easy. Plus I know a few dismissals where like Shubman Gill in the first innings, he’s gotten caught down leg wide. Funny dismissals. He’ll be aware of it. That’s for sure. There is no batter who doesn’t remember. Obviously you find a method of finding a solution. Find out what works for you and stick with that,” he added.
Kohli’s dismal run in Tests since 2021
In Asia, Kohli has played 14 Test matches since 2021 and scored just 654 runs from 23 innings at an average of 29.72 with one hundred and two half centuries to his name. His numbers have dipped significantly in Test cricket since 2021 as the India star has accumulated just 1669 runs from 51 innings at an average of 32.72 and registered eight half centuries and two hundreds.
Kohli will be eager to improve his numbers as India have important series coming up against New Zealand and Australia where his experience will be desperately needed by the team.
