New Delhi: Cheteshwar Pujara, the Indian cricketer, has shared his views on the difficulties Virat Kohli is experiencing in the ongoing Test series in Australia. He points out that Kohli tends to get out early whenever he faces the new ball, primarily due to the inconsistency shown by India’s top order. This has pushed Kohli to bat earlier than he’s accustomed to, which has negatively affected his game.
Pujara stresses that the Indian top order’s failures have played a big role in Kohli’s struggles. With the team often under pressure, Kohli has had to step up at critical moments, which not only disrupts his rhythm but also puts him in tough spots against skilled bowlers.
“We were discussing that he has been forced to play the new ball. He has gotten out whenever he has played the new ball. When he played the old ball, he scored a hundred in Perth. So that’s also a very big point,” Pujara said while speaking on Star Sports.
In the first innings of the Brisbane Test, Kohli only managed to score three runs while India was in a dire position at 51/4, lagging by 394 runs. These early dismissals have sparked worries about his form, especially given his reputation as one of the game’s greats. Pujara’s observations suggest that the pressure from early wickets is weighing heavily on Kohli’s performance.
“His technique isn’t made for the new ball. His batting should come after 10, 15 or 20 overs. If he plays the new ball, the bowlers are fresh and their confidence is also high. When they get two wickets, the entire team is charged up,” Pujara added.
Despite the difficulties, Kohli displayed his talent by scoring an unbeaten century in India’s second innings in Perth. This achievement came after a strong 201-run partnership between openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, which allowed Kohli to bat under less pressure. However, his dismissal for just seven runs in the first innings of the second Test against Mitchell Starc serves as a reminder of his ongoing struggles with the new ball.
As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on Kohli’s ability to adjust and tackle the challenges from the Australian bowlers. Pujara’s insights highlight the necessity for a stable top order to provide Kohli and the Indian team with the support they need to find success in Australia.
