How Australian Pacers Can Challenge Virat Kohli In IND vs AUS Test Series

Virat Kohli has achieved immense success with the bat on past tours of Australia but recently struggled to find his form in red-ball cricket.

Sanjay Manjrekar spoke about ways in which Australia pacers can target Virat Kohli in Ind vs Aus Test series.

Source : PTI

Since Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli landed in Australia for 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he has been prominently featured in Australian media, including front-page advertisements. However, it’s worth noting that Kohli has recently struggled to find form in red-ball cricket.

However, the former India skipper, who has achieved immense success with the bat on past tours of Australia, has recently struggled to find his form in red-ball cricket. Kohli's recent Test form has raised concerns, as he's averaged just 22.72 across six matches this year—lowest in his career.

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Speaking on a show on Star Sports, cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar spoke about ways in which Australia pacers can target Virat Kohli in Ind vs Aus Test series.

"Virat knows exactly what's going to be planned. They'll start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mood is. These days he looks to leave balls outside the off-stump and if they have anything that is pitched right up, he will look to drive," Manjrekar said.

"Nowadays, they are also trying to cramp him for room and attack his body because he loves to get forward so much. So that is something New Zealand tried, which is very smart. And then if he is so focused outside off, that typical one of landing a ball on the middle stump which Josh Hazlewood would try," he added.

Stats from Virat's last outing in Tests against Australia

Kohli's previous performance at Perth included a century, though India fell short in that match. Known for his success in Tests on Australian soil, Virat Kohli's form will be crucial to India's bid for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. For India to qualify for WTC Final without depending on other teams' results, they must win five-match IND vs AUS Test series 4-0.