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Virat Kohli, often celebrated as one of the finest batters in cricket history, is renowned for his consistency, stylish stroke play, and relentless pursuit of runs. Despite his impressive achievements, Kohli has encountered noticeable difficulties against spin bowling in recent times. Slow bowlers have managed to find weaknesses in his technique, leading to periods of struggle for the Indian maestro.
Inconsistent performances highlight spin weakness
Over the past two years, Kohli’s performance against spin in Asia has been inconsistent. While he accumulated 606 runs across 26 innings since 2021, his batting average of 28.85 indicates that he hasn’t been able to convert promising starts into big scores. This reflects his struggles, especially against spinners in subcontinental conditions.
During this time frame, Kohli has been dismissed 21 times, and a significant part of his troubles has been against left-arm orthodox spinners. Out of these dismissals, 10 came against this particular type of bowling, with Kohli managing a modest average of 27.10 against them.
Reasons behind Virat Kohli’s struggles against spin
Technical vulnerability against left-arm orthodox spin
Kohli has shown a particular weakness against left-arm orthodox spinners. The unique angle and trajectory of the ball make it harder for him to judge the line and length, leading to mistimed shots and frequent dismissals. This issue is compounded when the ball grips and turns sharply, often leaving him vulnerable to edges and LBWs.
Cautious approach reflecting fear of dismissal
Since 2021, Kohli’s strike rate against spin in Asia has been 49.67, which is lower than his usual aggressive style. This shift in approach could indicate that he’s playing with caution, possibly to avoid getting trapped in front of the stumps. Such defensive batting may not only limit his scoring opportunities but also puts additional pressure on him to survive long spells against spin.
Footwork issues leading to poor shot selection
A key factor in facing spin effectively is precise footwork. Kohli, known for his sharp movements, seems to have lost a bit of confidence when it comes to using his feet against spin. This has led to poor shot selection, mistimed strokes, and frequent misjudgments, which spinners have capitalized on by targeting his weaknesses.
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Lack of adaptability to changing pitch conditions
Another reason for Kohli’s struggles could be his failure to adjust his game according to varying pitch conditions. While he used to be known for his ability to adapt, recent performances suggest that he hasn’t been able to find the right balance between attack and defense, especially when facing slower deliveries on turning tracks.
Pressure to anchor the innings
As a senior player, Kohli is often expected to hold the innings together, which puts extra responsibility on his shoulders. This pressure might have affected his mindset, leading to overly cautious play against spinners. Instead of playing freely, he appears to be more focused on survival, which reduces his ability to dominate spinners and accumulate runs.
Addressing the issue: Tactical changes required
To regain his edge against spin, Kohli might need to reassess his approach. Improving footwork, especially by using the depth of the crease, could help him tackle sharp turn and variations. Additionally, adopting a more aggressive mindset and selecting shots with intent would allow him to counter the spin threat more effectively.
Although Kohli has been facing difficulties against spin, his track record proves that he can adapt and improve. By making necessary adjustments and refining his technique, Kohli has the potential to overcome these recent struggles and return to his dominant best against spin bowlers.
