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Cheteshwar Pujara, a seasoned Indian Test cricketer, has openly critiqued Virat Kohli's batting technique, specifically highlighting its vulnerability against the new ball in Test matches. Pujara's analysis, delivered after Kohli's dismissal in the Gabba Test against Australia, provides a detailed insight into the former captain's struggles. The crux of Pujara's argument centers on the timing of Kohli's arrival at the crease. Due to the early dismissals of India's top-order batsmen, Kohli has frequently faced the new, hard Kookaburra ball in four out of five innings this series, a significant contributing factor to his consistent failures. The exception was the second innings of the first Test, where Kohli scored an unbeaten century, showcasing his capability against a more worn ball. This disparity underscores Pujara's central point: Kohli's technique is not optimally suited to face the pace, bounce, and unpredictable movement of a new ball.
Pujara emphasizes that Kohli's batting style is best suited for later stages of the innings, after the new ball's initial threat has diminished. He explains that facing the new ball presents unique challenges. The bowlers are fresh, their confidence is high, and the psychological impact of early wickets significantly boosts their morale. This creates a formidable environment for a batsman, which Kohli, according to Pujara, has yet to effectively navigate. The pressure of this situation is amplified by the fact that early wickets often dictate the course of the entire match. Kohli's struggles against the new ball have contributed to his overall poor performance this year, resulting in a significantly reduced Test batting average. Pujara suggests that Kohli's current struggles are not solely technical; a major mental adjustment is also required.
Pujara's assessment delves into the specifics of Kohli's batting against deliveries outside off-stump. He notes that while Kohli often attempts to leave such deliveries, he frequently fails in his execution, resulting in an edge to the wicket-keeper or slips. This inability to decisively leave the ball is attributed to a mental block rather than a purely technical flaw. Pujara suggests that while minor technical adjustments may be beneficial, the more critical issue lies in Kohli's mindset and decision-making when facing the new ball. He needs to develop a clearer strategy for dealing with these deliveries – choosing confidently whether to play or leave the ball. This mental fortitude is key to overcoming his current struggles, effectively addressing the core problem and not just treating the symptoms. The analysis suggests a comprehensive approach involving both technical refinement and significant psychological adjustment is needed for Kohli to regain his former dominance.
In conclusion, Pujara's assessment of Virat Kohli's batting challenges provides valuable insight into the difficulties the Indian star faces. His analysis transcends mere technical observations; it highlights the crucial interplay between technical skills and mental strength, emphasizing the importance of a robust strategy for dealing with the high-pressure situations inherent in Test cricket. Kohli’s declining average, averaging only 25.06 in 17 innings for a total of 376 runs this year, paints a stark picture of his struggles, with his overall Test career average dropping to an eight-year low of 47.4. Pujara's critique, though blunt, serves as a constructive pathway for Kohli to address his weaknesses and regain his status as a formidable force in Test cricket. The pathway to recovery for Kohli involves a holistic approach that includes improving his technique but predominantly focuses on sharpening his mental game and decision-making under pressure.
Source: Virat Kohli’s technique not made for the new ball: Cheteshwar Pujara