Former England spinner Monty Panesar has weighed in on Virat Kohli’s recent struggles outside the off-stump, especially in overseas conditions, ahead of India’s much-anticipated Test series in England. Speaking candidly about the Indian superstar’s batting technique, Panesar pointed out that Kohli’s persistent issues with deliveries outside off have been evident, particularly on fast and bouncy tracks like those in Australia. With England’s swinging conditions up next, Panesar questioned whether Kohli’s approach will hold up under the expected challenge.
“With Kohli, what has happened is that against the ball outside the off stump, especially in Australia on fast bouncy pitches, he was struggling,” Panesar said in a recent interaction. “So he probably thought maybe the fact that in England it is going to swing a lot more… it might suit him better.”
Kohli’s battle with the off-stump corridor is well-documented. Since the 2014 tour of England, where he managed just 134 runs across five Tests, questions about his vulnerability against the moving ball have followed him. Though he made a strong comeback in 2018, his technique remains a focal point for opposition bowlers. Panesar, who played against Kohli early in his career, acknowledged the brilliance of the Indian batter but also noted how top bowlers have managed to exploit a particular pattern in recent years.
In Australia, Kohli has often found himself nicking behind to slips or the wicketkeeper, especially against high-paced seamers who get the ball to rise just outside off. England’s conditions, however, present a different challenge—not pace, but swing and seam movement, especially with the Dukes ball and damp conditions.
Panesar suggested that Kohli’s adjustments might be based on a hope that the ball’s lateral movement in England is less about bounce and more about swing, which can be easier to judge and play when well set. “Maybe he feels that the English conditions, while tough, give him a clearer visual cue to leave or play the ball, rather than the sharp bounce which can be deceptive,” Monty said.
While critics have pointed out Kohli’s recent inconsistencies in red-ball cricket, supporters argue that his hunger, fitness, and adaptability still make him India’s best hope in English conditions. Kohli’s recent performances in the IPL and his impressive white-ball form indicate that he is in a good mental space, and it’s now a matter of translating that into a strong red-ball series.
With the upcoming series being crucial in the context of the World Test Championship cycle, the spotlight will once again be on Kohli—not just as a senior batter but also as an emotional pillar of the team. Young talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal may lead the charge, but Kohli’s performance could very well determine India’s fortunes.
Panesar’s comments serve as both critique and insight, highlighting how even the greats must continuously adapt. Whether Kohli can silence the chatter once more in England remains to be seen—but as history suggests, writing off Virat Kohli is never a good idea.
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