New Delhi: Ongoing India vs England three-match One-Day-International series got leveled 1-1 on Thursday after the visitors suffered a heartbreaking 100-run defeat in the 2nd ODI. England fast bowler Reece Topley's sensational spell helped England bundle up India for 246 runs after Rohit Sharma & Co. opted to bat first after winning the toss. Ind vs Eng 2nd ODI at Lord's was Virat's comeback game after he missed the series opener due to a groin injury. Unfortunately, Virat, yet again after getting a good start, could score just 16 runs.
Virat Kohli, who hasn't scored a ton in international cricket since 2019, is still struggling to find his old rhythm. Several former cricketers have given their opinion on the possible reasons behind Virat's struggle.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif also spoke about Kohli after India's defeat on Thursday. He insisted that the ex-India skipper needs to consult the best coaches in India. He also asserted that Kohli and another batting great, NZ captain Kane Williamson are going through a similar struggle.
“Modern-day cricket is different. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Kohli, Rohit Sharma.. everyone has some weakness or the other and they are exposed soon enough because of the technology we have now. But they haven't changed their game. Kane Williamson is enduring a similar phase as Kohli. Short-of-length deliveries are a weakness for him. They all have to go to their basics, you need to consult your best coaches and work on your weaknesses,” Latif said on his official YouTube channel, HindustanTimes reported.
Latif further talked about the comments made by Sourav Ganguly recently over Kohli's struggles. The BCCI President had said Virat needs to find his way out of the rough patch. Latif, who was critical of Sourav's statement, insisted that Kohli is being made a scapegoat.
“You are talking about one player, but the entire Indian team isn't winning consistently either. You are putting the gun on Virat's shoulders and keeping the other players safe. You look at the 2019 World Cup, 2021 T20 World Cup.. even when Virat didn't perform, what were the others doing?” Latif said.
In last year's T20 World Cup, India lost to Pakistan and New Zealand in their first two matches, eventually being knocked out in the group stage.