Virat Kohli’s struggle with the bat is now known the world over. The ones who do not watch cricket also somehow know about Kohli’s bad reign of form. It is only natural that the once number one batter is getting advice and suggestions from all over.
Wasim Jaffer, the veteran Indian cricket, has joined a long list of ex-players who have advised Kohli to bat in a certain way to regain his former touch and not get out as cheaply. The ex-Indian batter has suggested Kohli to leave balls that are outside off stumps.
During a discussion with ESPN Cricinfo, he said, “Virat Kohli again looked good, but teams will keep bowling there (outside off stump) all the time. He needs to understand that, especially those lengths where he can’t get runs off. Anything short, he can dab it to the third man. Anything full is fine as well. But he needs to understand which deliveries he must leave.”
Jaffer was dejected at Kohli’s wastage of opportunities as he thought the second ODI against England was a perfect chance for the Indian batter to get into form. Explaining the same, he said, “Today (Thursday) was the day. There was no pressure of the run rate. The wicket was pretty good as he was batting in the second half. He started really well, but that’s been the case for almost the two years that he hasn’t scored a hundred. Teams are going to target that fifth and sixth stump. He needs to find a way.”
Meanwhile, former England left-arm spinner Ashley Giles believes India’s timid approach to the run chase was the reason for their loss. He compared India’s start to that of England’s in the 2019 World Cup Final and wished one Indian batter had taken the game by the scruff of the neck.
“You don’t have to rush. Sometimes, that can just dig a hole for you. Someone needs to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Three years ago, Ben Stokes did that for England. Someone in an Indian shirt needed to do that,” explained Giles.
