Sanjay Manjrekar analyses Australia’s strategies against Virat Kohli in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, focusing on his form.
Australia’s Strategies to Challenge Kohli’s Technique
With the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaching, Australia’s plans for Virat Kohli have taken centre stage.
Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar provided insights into how Australia might target Kohli’s technique in the long Test series.
Manjrekar highlighted Australia’s expected strategy of testing Kohli with deliveries outside the off stump.
“I think Virat Kohli knows exactly what’s going to be planned (for him by the Australians). They’ll start with that line outside the off stump and gauge what his mindset is. These days, he often leaves balls outside off and looks to drive anything pitched up,” offered Manjrekar on Star Sports.
He then went on to add: “Australia might also try to cramp Kohli for room and attack his body since he likes to get forward. This was a tactic New Zealand used effectively. If he’s focused on balls outside off stump, bowlers like Josh Hazlewood might target that typical Vernon Philander line on middle stump. Australia will test various strategies, and Kohli is fully aware of that.”
Bowlers like Josh Hazlewood might exploit Kohli’s drive tendencies by bowling a tight line.
Additionally, Australia could cramp him for room with bodyline attacks, a tactic effectively used by New Zealand in the past. These strategies aim to unsettle Kohli’s rhythm early in his innings.
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Concerns Over Kohli’s Recent Form
Kohli’s recent Test performances indicate struggles with consistency, as seen in his 22.72 average in 2024’s six Tests.
Despite just two centuries in his last 60 innings, legends like Sunil Gavaskar back Kohli to rediscover his prime form during the series.
However, former Australian cricketers, including Ricky Ponting, have voiced doubts about Kohli’s ability to dominate this Australian bowling attack.
Kerry O’Keeffe noted, “Kohli has worried Australia over the years. But in sport, if you sense the king of the jungle is slightly weaker, you poke a bit of cheek at him. I’m fascinated to see what Virat Kohli ends up with.”
Kohli’s response to these challenges will determine his impact in the upcoming series and whether he can silence critics.
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