In a recent discussion, Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s seasoned middle-order batsman, offered a candid analysis of Virat Kohli’s batting technique, particularly against the new ball. Pujara’s observation is that Kohli’s technique is not ideally suited for facing fresh, moving deliveries. He emphasized that Kohli’s batting is more effective after the ball has aged, suggesting that his technique is better suited for batting after 10, 15, or 20 overs.
Pujara’s observations are timely, given Kohli’s recent struggles against the new ball in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. In the third Test at the Gabba, Kohli was dismissed cheaply, raising concerns about his ability to handle the fresh, moving deliveries from Australia’s bowlers. Pujara noted that when Kohli faces the new ball, the bowlers are fresh, and their confidence is high, making it challenging for any batsman.
Reflecting on Kohli’s previous performances, Pujara highlighted that Kohli’s success has often come when he has batted after the new ball has lost its shine. He pointed out that Kohli scored a century in Perth when the ball was older, indicating that Kohli’s batting is more effective under such conditions.
Pujara also observed that despite Kohli’s dedicated practice sessions in the nets, he has struggled to implement those techniques effectively in match situations. He mentioned that Kohli has been practicing leaving deliveries outside the off-stump in the nets, but this execution has not been translating into his match performances.
In conclusion, Cheteshwar Pujara’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by Virat Kohli against the new ball. While Kohli’s technique may not be ideally suited for facing fresh deliveries, his ability to adapt and perform under different conditions remains a testament to his skill and experience. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how Kohli adjusts his approach to overcome these challenges and continue his contributions to the Indian team.