New Delhi: Star Indian batter Virat Kohli’s recurring dismissal due to an open-faced bat is a matter of grave concern, believes veteran cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. As India aim to regain the Champions Trophy after 12 long years, it becomes imperative for the side that the likes of Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma regain their form. Rohit has overcome his lean patch to a certain extent but Kohli still seems to struggle.
The dashing right-handed batter, who had a turbulent tour of Australia where he was repeatedly dismissed by the pacers in the off-side, was only able to score a lazy 22 in India’s opening match against Bangladesh on Thursday. Although India emerged victorious in the clash but Kohli’s form remains to be a concern.
Sixth time Kohli dismissed by a spinner
Virat Kohli’s dismissal was the sixth consecutive time when the batter was out by spin in the 50-over format after he struggled against England’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid in the recent home series. In an interaction with India Today, Gavaskar said that it is to a great extent due to the fact that the bat face opens up, the same thing happened with him against the pacers in Australia.
‘The bat face is opening up, looking to play through the covers, opening the face of the bat, that gets him into trouble. So that is something that he’s got to watch out for,’ the legendary player said.
The senior batter was out on a delivery bowled by spinner Rishad Hossain while trying to cut the ball, showing his struggles against the outside off stump delivery. Gavaskar said that this is something he needs to correct before the other marquee clashes in the tournament. India next face arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday in Dubai and the team would want Kohli to perform his best.
Virat Kohli’s dismissal was the sixth consecutive time when the batter was out by spin in the 50-over format after he struggled against England’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid in the recent home series. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
