Virat Kohli’s return to Test cricket has been challenging, marked by disappointing scores of 6 and 17 in the first Test against Bangladesh. As he prepares for the second Test at Kanpur, Kohli’s ongoing struggles with spin and pace bowling were highlighted during a recent net practice session where he faced Jasprit Bumrah.
A Tough Day in the Nets
During the practice session, Kohli faced 15 deliveries from Bumrah and was dismissed four times—an alarming statistic for a player of his caliber. The fourth delivery struck Kohli on the pads, prompting Bumrah to shout, “saamne laga hai (You are plumb),” a comment that Kohli acknowledged. This moment encapsulated the frustration Kohli has been feeling as he attempts to regain his form.
Two balls later, Kohli edged a delivery while chasing a ball outside off-stump, and Bumrah capitalized on this by shifting his line to middle and leg stumps, catching Kohli off guard twice in succession. The last dismissal was particularly telling; Bumrah remarked, “Aakhiri wala toh short leg ka catch tha (The last one could have been caught at short leg),” highlighting the challenges Kohli faced during this session.
Struggles Against Spin Bowling
Following his encounter with Bumrah, Kohli moved to another net where he faced India’s spin trio: Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. His difficulties continued as he attempted to play inside-out shots against Jadeja but missed completely three times in a row, leaving him visibly agitated. The session ended when Axar Patel clean-bowled him, marking a frustrating conclusion to Kohli’s practice.
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Kohli’s technical issues against spin have become increasingly concerning. In the first Test against Bangladesh, he fell victim to Hasan Mahmud and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who exploited his weaknesses outside off-stump. These dismissals have raised questions about whether Kohli can overcome these challenges as he looks to regain his place among the top batsmen in Test cricket.
With a demanding Test season ahead—including a home series against New Zealand and the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia—Kohli’s form is crucial for India’s success. His ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will not only impact his career but also play a significant role in India’s quest for victory.
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