The tendency to chase balls even when they are on the fifth-stump line has been the main reason behind Virat Kohli’s low scores in Tests over the last four years and his average slipping below 50.
Patience and Kohli don’t seem to get along too well, as many believe. But according to Sourav Ganguly, patience is what the star batter needs if he has to sort out such repeated caught-behind dismissals in Test cricket.
In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli’s manner of dismissals so far has been either caught behind or taken at the slip cordon.
“He’s getting dismissed in the same manner time and again, so he needs to leave those balls. He has to probably be a bit more patient because they will only bowl him there outside the off stump. He just needs a little bit of patience,” former India captain Sourav said on the sidelines of the Cricket Association of Bengal’s announcement of its decision to rename two spectator stands at Eden Gardens after Colonel NJ Nair and former India Women captain Jhulan Goswami on Tuesday.
Kohli, however, has managed to get three figures on the current tour Down Under when he hit a 100 not out in the second innings of the series opener in Perth. Sourav, too, is optimistic about Kohli getting another hundred by the time the series gets over.
“I’m sure Virat will be back to scoring runs. He has got a century in the second innings of the first Test and by the time the series finishes, I believe he will get another hundred,” the former BCCI president said.
Talking about skipper Rohit Sharma batting at No.6 in this series and giving up the opening slot to KL Rahul, especially after the latter was impressive with his application in Perth, Sourav believes the decision may have been taken as Rohit can then tackle the second new ball.
“I don’t know the exact reason why Rohit is not opening. Maybe because he is an opener, he’s going in at No.6, as in that position too, you have to tackle the new ball. Even I have done that in Tests and had to face the second new ball,” Sourav said.
“I think because he has had to deal with the new ball as an opener, he is batting at that position so that he can deal with the second new ball. I am sure he is thinking along those lines. I don’t know what is on his mind, though, so difficult for me to say.
“Besides, KL Rahul is in good form and today (Tuesday) also he scored 84. Maybe that’s why there’s no tinkering with it. So, it’s up to Rohit, (head coach) Gautam Gambhir and the team to decide where he wants to bat. I’m sure he can also bat at No.3,” Sourav elaborated.
Pat for Akash
Sourav was also effusive in his praise for Bengal pacer Akash Deep as the latter remained unbeaten on 21 at the Gabba on Tuesday.
Akash also stitched an unbeaten 39-run last-wicket partnership with Jasprit Bumrah, helping India avoid the follow-on on Day IV.
“Our Akash Deep did a fine job with the bat, saving the follow-on. Truly a great achievement... It’s never easy for a young fast bowler who’s also a first-timer to do well in Australia, yet Akash has done really well.
“In due course of time, he will learn how to make the adjustments with Australian conditions and perform.”
Asked about the animated celebrations in the Team India dressing room after Akash hit a four off Australia captain Pat Cummins and saved the follow-on, Sourav replied: “It happened in that moment... If India bat well in the remaining two Tests, they can win.”
