Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has offered crucial advice to Virat Kohli, urging the struggling batsman to shelve his signature cover drive in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Kohli, renowned for his mastery with the bat, has been battling inconsistency, and Gavaskar believes this technical adjustment could help him regain his rhythm.
Kohli’s Love for the Cover Drive
The cover drive has been one of Kohli’s most elegant and effective shots, earning him accolades from fans and critics alike. However, in recent matches, it has also been his undoing. Bowlers, particularly in Australia, have exploited his tendency to go after wide deliveries, luring him into errors.
Gavaskar, known for his sound technique and patience during his illustrious career, pointed out that Kohli’s reliance on the cover drive has made him vulnerable, especially on pitches with extra bounce and seam movement.
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Gavaskar’s Technical Insights
Speaking to the media, Gavaskar emphasized the need for discipline and adaptability in tough conditions.
“The cover drive is a delightful shot, but it’s also risky on these surfaces. Bowlers are deliberately keeping it outside off-stump, and Kohli has been chasing them. For now, he should avoid the shot and focus on playing straight to rebuild his confidence,” Gavaskar said.
He further added that temporary sacrifices in stroke-making are essential for long-term success. “Virat is too good a player to let this slump continue. Sometimes, it’s about tweaking your game to suit the conditions. Once he gets his eye in, the runs will flow.”
Kohli’s Struggles in BGT
Kohli’s recent performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have been below par, with the star batsman unable to convert starts into substantial scores. While his technique and fitness remain impeccable, his decision-making outside the off-stump has drawn criticism.
Learning from the Past
Gavaskar’s advice comes from personal experience. During his career, he faced similar challenges against world-class bowling attacks and adapted his game to emerge stronger. He believes that Kohli has the mental strength and skills to make necessary adjustments.
Kohli’s Response
While Kohli has not publicly responded to Gavaskar’s suggestion, he is known for being receptive to constructive criticism. Fans are hopeful that the batting maestro will use this advice to turn things around in the remainder of the series.
The Bigger Picture
As one of the mainstays of the Indian batting lineup, Kohli’s form is crucial for the team’s success in the BGT and beyond. With tough matches ahead, a revitalized Kohli could make a significant difference.
Sunil Gavaskar’s advice is a reminder that even the best in the game need to adapt and evolve. Whether Kohli decides to abandon the cover drive temporarily or find another way to counter the opposition, one thing is certain—cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eager to see him return to his dominant best.
