3 ways in which Virat Kohli can regain his outstanding form in Test cricket

Virat Kohlione of the legends of modern cricket, faced an unusual challenge in Test cricket, especially during the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Although he scored a brilliant century in the first Test in Perth, his subsequent struggles, especially with deliveries outside off-stump, sparked concern and discussion. Given Kohli’s status as a match-winner and the cornerstone of India’s batting line-up, it is only natural that these issues will draw comparisons to the challenges faced by cricket greats of the past.

Kohli’s struggles in BGT have raised concerns and history has shown that even the greatest players go through testing phases. For Indian fans, Kohli’s resurgence is not just a hope but an expectation – a belief that their hero will succeed again when it matters most. Let’s take a detailed look at three key strategies that can help Kohli rediscover his peak form and face the challenges posed by the Australian bowling attack.

3 ways in which Virat Kohli can regain his lost magic in Tests

1. Reconsider technique and footwork

Kohli’s dismissals in the current series have followed a worrying pattern. His tendency to chase deliveries outside the off-stump has been consistently exploited by bowlers, especially early in his innings. This technical lapse often results in edges appearing at the slip cordon or wicket-keeper, cutting his time at the crease.

Solution: To address this problem, Kohli needs to focus on tightening up his technique and improving his footwork. This approach includes the following major modifications:

Defensive movement: Kohli must ensure precise footwork. By committing fully forward to meet the ball or staying back to play with a straighter racket, he can reduce the half-measures that often lead to trouble. The goal is to reach a stable position where he plays the ball late, under his eyes, minimizing the chances of being outplayed.

Selective aggression: Kohli’s trademark cover drive, though elegant and efficient, has also become an Achilles’ heel when overused. Adopting a more cautious approach, especially against deliveries in the uncertainty lane, would allow him to neutralize the bowlers’ plans. He has to choose his moments to attack, waiting for balls into his scoring areas.

Clear, focused sessions: Extensive practice with a clear intention to counteract indirect handoffs is crucial. Batting against bowlers or deliveries that specifically target the fifth and sixth off-stump lines will help Kohli improve his judgment in leaving deliveries outside off.

also Watch: Virat Kohli celebrates with ‘finger on lips’ after Marnus Labuschagne’s dismissal on day two of Gabba Test

2. Self-control and patience

Although the technical flaws are clear, the psychological pressure Kohli is under cannot be overlooked. As a major player and global star, the weight of expectations can magnify the effects of a string of low results. Frustration and the desire to dominate bowlers early often lead to rash decisions, leading to avoidable dismissals.

Solution: To regain composure at the crease, Kohli can implement a cricket-specific technical reset that emphasizes clarity and discipline:

Length rule: Kohli should refocus on judging the duration of deliveries early. Practicing specific drills, such as facing short-pitched bowlers or bowlers that replicate good-length deliveries outside the off-stump, will help improve his decision-making to leave balls outside his scoring area.

Playing under the eyes: One of Kohli’s strengths has always been his ability to play late. Practicing with softer hands and ensuring that the face of the bat remains at a downward angle during defensive strokes will reduce the chances of over-the-top deliveries.

Drill-based consistency: A technical drill that Kohli can adopt is the ‘off-stump discipline exercise’. Bowlers or spinners constantly target the fifth stump, with Kohli focusing on playing only when the ball is on or inside the off-stump line. Leaving balls outside this area can enhance discipline and rebuild confidence.

3. Strategic shot selection and game awareness

Kohli’s natural instinct is to dominate the opposition and assert his authority. While this mentality has resulted in countless match-winning runs in the past, it has also led to intentional shots that are not consistent with the game situation. This desire to attack, especially when under pressure, often works to the advantage of opposition players.

Solution: A more precise approach to shot selection and situational awareness could help Kohli counter the Australian attack effectively:

Fire selection: Kohli needs to prioritize playing the ball on its merit. While offensive plays remain an integral part of his game, over-reliance on the coverage drive must be curbed. Instead, Kohli can look to alternate the knock with singles, focus on less risky shots, and build his innings patiently.

Visualization techniques: Kohli must imagine himself playing deliveries outside the stump with discipline. Mental training to drop the ball, defend aggressively, and only score with quick passes can reshape his instincts during the game.

Adaptation to bowlers: Kohli has excelled in the past by analyzing bowlers and formulating specific strategies against them. Revisiting footage of his successful innings in Australia, where he dominated bowlers such as Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, can remind him of what worked and how he modified his game previously.

Learn from the legendary cricketer

A prominent example is Sachin TendulkarHis legendary double century against Australia in the 2004 Sydney Test. At the time, Tendulkar was having problems with his drive, a shot that often brought him success but also led to his dismissal. Fully aware of this vulnerability, Tendulkar made the extraordinary decision to avoid playing a cover drive throughout his innings – a move that required immense mental strength and discipline.

Instead, he focused on scoring towards the leg side, patiently waiting for the bowlers to move away from his preferred areas. Tendulkar’s ability to adapt his natural game under pressure resulted in a massive unbeaten tally of 241 that not only silenced his critics but also showcased his unparalleled temperament, resilience and mastery of the game.

If Kohli adopts a similar mindset of playing within himself, controlling his natural instincts, and temporarily prioritizing discipline over flair, he can stabilize his game, regain confidence, and set up a big innings for the team.

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