“Gautam Gambhir is not like Ravi Shastri”: Former coach reveals why Virat Kohli will not listen to current head coach
Virat Kohli’s recent poor form has become a significant concern for the Indian cricket team as they approach a period of transition following a dismal 2024 season. India faced a crushing 0-3 defeat to New Zealand at home before suffering a 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia. Kohli’s struggles have only intensified, with his once-unbeaten consistency now under scrutiny.
Despite scoring a century in the opening Test, Kohli ended the BGT with just 190 runs in nine innings, averaging a mere 23.75. Earlier in the season, his performance in the home series against New Zealand was equally underwhelming, managing only 93 runs in six innings at an average of 15.5. His Test average has now dropped below 47 for the first time in over a decade, raising questions about his place in the team, especially with the upcoming tour to England later this year.
Kohli’s issues appear to be more than just a form slump. He’s been dismissed on the eight occasions against Australia after edging deliveries outside the off-stump to either the wicket-keeper or slip fielders. This technical flaw has sparked deeper concerns about his batting mechanics, as well as the coaching staff’s ability to address the issue.
The question arises whether a coach can truly help a player of Kohli’s caliber. Bharat Arun, former India bowling coach, shared insights into how Kohli responds to suggestions. Arun recalled how former coach Ravi Shastri made a significant technical change to Kohli’s game after his disastrous 2014 tour of England. “Shastri advised Kohli to adjust his stance, suggesting he move to the middle stump to handle the swinging ball in England, and also encouraged him to step out of the crease to assert dominance. Kohli implemented the change and went on to score four centuries during India’s tour of Australia,” he said.
Arun pointed out that Kohli, being the world’s number one batter at the time, would always question any advice given to him. ‘”Why wasn’t this pointed out earlier?’ He further highlighted that offering such advice to someone of Kohli’s stature requires significant authority and confidence qualities that Ravi Shastri possessed. ‘The current coaching staff lacks that level of influence,” he added.
As the Indian team prepares for future challenges, the spotlight remains firmly on Kohli’s form and whether the coaching staff can find a solution to his technical struggles.
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