Virat Kohli’s performance on home ground in Kanpur has not been impressive, and recent events in the nets before the second Test match against Bangladesh have raised concerns about his current form. It appears that Kohli is struggling to handle the deliveries from a net bowler named Jamshed Alam, who has dismissed him twice within just four overs during practice sessions. While this raises questions about Kohli’s readiness, it’s worth noting that Alam couldn’t secure a wicket against Rohit Sharma, highlighting a possible inconsistency in the net bowling.
Understanding the Dismissals: Jamshed Alam’s Strategy
The pivotal question arises: what kind of deliveries led to Kohli’s dismissals at the hands of Alam? As a fast bowler, Alam capitalized on Kohli’s apparent vulnerability to outswing deliveries. This approach has proven effective; indeed, it is evident that Kohli’s longstanding issue with outswing deliveries remains a challenge. The recent instances in the nets demonstrate that even seasoned players can falter against well-directed bowling that targets their weaknesses.
Kohli’s Test Record in Kanpur: A Reflection
The statistics from Kohli’s previous Test match in Kanpur paint a bleak picture. In 2016, during a match against New Zealand, he managed a mere 27 runs combined in both innings—9 runs in the first inning and 18 in the second. With his recent struggles against the net bowler, expectations for a substantial innings in the upcoming Test against Bangladesh are understandably low. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering if Kohli can overcome these hurdles in his batting technique.
The Impact of Net Practice on Kohli’s Preparedness
It’s crucial to analyze how net practice translates to match performance. A player’s ability to address issues during practice is vital to their success in real-game situations. Kohli’s struggle against Alam, combined with his previous performance in Kanpur, suggests that he might need to reassess his approach to outswing deliveries as he prepares for this significant match. Given the importance of the game, overcoming these setbacks will be vital not only for his personal statistics but also for the team’s overall performance.
Comparing Rohit Sharma’s Performance in Nets
Interestingly, while Jamshed Alam found success against Kohli, he was unable to dismiss Rohit Sharma. This contrast raises questions about the adaptations Sharma has made to counter specific bowling styles. Additionally, it was noted that other bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, also bowled to Kohli during net practice, with Bumrah managing to bowl him out once. Cumulatively, this means Kohli has faced challenges from multiple bowlers in practice, getting out a total of three times during net sessions.
Conclusion: Awaiting Kohli’s Comeback
As anticipation builds for the Test match against Bangladesh, Kohli’s performance will undoubtedly be under close scrutiny. Fans and cricket enthusiasts alike are hopeful that he can find a way to address these issues in net practice and translate that into a stronger showing during the match. The coming days will reveal whether Kohli can rise to the occasion or if his struggles will continue to hinder his notable legacy.
