 |
|
The ongoing India-New Zealand Test series has brought Virat Kohli's struggles against spin bowling back into the spotlight. In the second Test match in Pune, Kohli was dismissed for just one run by Mitchell Santner, marking the 21st time he has been dismissed by a spinner in the last three years on Asian soil. This dismissal has reignited the debate surrounding Kohli's decision not to participate in domestic cricket leading up to the Test season.
Former India head coach Anil Kumble, who has seen Kohli's struggles firsthand, weighed in on the situation. While Kumble believes that playing domestic cricket might have benefitted Kohli, he also emphasized that it shouldn't be solely attributed to Kohli's struggles against spin. He highlighted the challenging conditions in Asia, particularly the pitches that favor spin bowling, as a contributing factor. Kumble further explained that even top-tier batsmen face difficulties against spin in these conditions, adding that Shubman Gill's dismissal to Glenn Phillips, another left-arm spinner, supports this observation.
Kumble's statements come as India's senior players, including Kohli, were not included in the Duleep Trophy squad after the T20 World Cup victory. The BCCI's decision to protect these players from potential injuries meant they went directly into the Test series against Bangladesh, skipping domestic competition. While Kohli's performance in the second Test against New Zealand remains a source of discussion, Kumble's defense and the broader context of challenging conditions suggest that Kohli's struggles against spin may be a complex issue with no single, easy answer.
The outcome of the Test match will be crucial for India's ambitions in the World Test Championship. With Kohli's form a major concern, it remains to be seen how India will navigate the remaining Tests against New Zealand. The team's ability to adapt to challenging conditions and overcome their reliance on individual stars will be critical for achieving success.