Cricket Star Kohli’s Slump: A Veteran Coach Weighs In
Table of Contents
Virat kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, is facing a significant challenge: a persistent struggle against balls delivered outside the off-stump. This slump has sparked considerable concern among Indian cricket fans adn experts alike. Former kerala cricket coach, P. Balachandran, recently offered his insights into Kohli’s predicament and potential solutions, providing a candid assessment of the star player’s future.
Balachandran points to the example of Steve Smith’s resurgence as a model for Kohli. “Coming into the series against India, Smith had a tough time,” Balachandran noted. “But Smith worked more on technique. That’s why we were able to score two centuries.”
The coach highlighted a key difference in approach between limited-overs and Test cricket. He stated, ”In limited overs cricket, meeting the ball outside the body is more productive. the tendency to do so comes naturally when limited over cricket is played more. But for someone with this much experience, knowing that this Australian tour was going to be like this, he should have made preparations ahead of time. It didn’t happen.”
Balachandran suggests a strategic shift for Kohli, advocating for a focus on fewer formats. “My personal opinion is that Kohli should be confined to certain formats only,” he advised. “Kohli has the potential to play a bit further in Test cricket. If you are giving up a format like ODIs, then when you get a break in between, you get time to work on everything in this technique.”
A return to domestic cricket was also suggested as a crucial step in Kohli’s recovery. “More importantly, domestic cricket should be played more when out of form,” Balachandran emphasized. “It is understood that Kohli has not played in the Ranji Trophy for over 12 years. Playing more Ranji trophy matches before the Test series would benefit Kohli to improve his technique.”
drawing a parallel to Joe Root’s success with england’s Test team, Balachandran stated, “Let’s look at the example of Joe Root. He is playing only Test cricket for England. After a stage, playing with every format has its own set of technical errors and ther is no chance to correct them. Hear you have to show maturity and decide which matches to play. IPL will never leave. Kohli should try to move his career forward by playing less stressful domestic matches and correcting his mistakes.”
Addressing Kohli’s specific weakness against off-stump deliveries, Balachandran offered technical advice: “What is needed is to move to the line of the ball and come and play. that is the way to avoid losing wickets on balls coming off the off-stump. the practice of releasing the ball should be done more. Once in position of the ball, it is indeed possible to leave. It is tough for players to leave unless they are in position on the ball. Kohli can still play if he takes care of these things. I don’t think this is a phase where Kohli should retire.”
Balachandran offered a less optimistic outlook on Rohit Sharma’s Test career, stating, “I don’t expect Rohit to make a big comeback in Tests. Rohit should focus more on ODI cricket. It is understood that Rohit’s judgments have deteriorated. Rohit should focus on ODIs and move forward. Bumrah is highly likely to become the next Indian Red Ball captain. But his fitness problems are a concern.”
The Future of Indian Cricket
balachandran’s comments offer a frank assessment of the challenges facing some of India’s top cricketers. His suggestions, emphasizing focused training, strategic format selection, and a return to domestic competition, provide a roadmap for Kohli and other players to navigate their current struggles and potentially reignite their careers. the coming months will be crucial in determining how these strategies play out on the field.
Can Virat Kohli rediscover His form? A Veteran Coach’s Viewpoint
Virat kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, is facing a challenging period with a notable struggle against deliveries outside teh off-stump. This slump has sparked considerable concern among fans and experts, prompting discussion about Kohli’s future and potential solutions. Former Kerala cricket coach, P.balachandran, recently offered his expert insights into Kohli’s predicament, drawing comparisons to other cricketing greats and proposing potential pathways back to form.
Addressing the Off Stump Weakness
Senior Editor: Mr. Balachandran, Kohli seems particularly vulnerable to deliveries pitched outside the off-stump. What are yoru thoughts on this weakness and how can he address it?
P. Balachandran: It’s a technical issue that needs to be tackled with careful practice. Kohli needs to move decisively towards the line of the ball and play it with a squared-up stance. Leaving deliveries outside off-stump requires getting into the right position.This can be honed thru continuous net sessions focusing on that specific area.
focusing on Fewer Formats
Senior Editor: some believe Kohli might benefit from focusing on fewer cricket formats. Do you agree?
P. Balachandran: Absolutely. I believe prioritizing Test cricket at this stage would be wise. Playing all formats can lead to technical fatigue and make it harder to rectify mistakes.Limiting his engagements would give him much-needed time to work on his technique between matches.
The Steve smith Model
Senior Editor: You’ve mentioned Steve Smith as an example of a player who bounced back from a slump.
P. Balachandran: Precisely. Smith underwent a rigorous technical overhaul before the series against India. He dedicated time to sharpen his technique, which ultimately led to his success. Kohli could draw inspiration from Smith’s approach and invest in similar dedicated practice.
The Case for Domestic Cricket
senior Editor: You also advocate for Kohli returning to domestic cricket.
P.Balachandran: Yes, it’s crucial. Domestic competitions offer a platform to regain form without the immense pressure of international fixtures. Playing Ranji Trophy matches would allow Kohli to work on his technique against quality bowlers in a less intense surroundings. Joe Root’s success with England, focusing solely on Test cricket, is a testament to this approach.
Kohli’s Future Prospects
Senior Editor: Do you see Kohli making a prosperous comeback?
P. Balachandran: I firmly believe he can. Kohli’s talent and determination are undeniable. If he embraces these changes and focuses on refining his technique,there’s no reason why he can’t regain his status as one of the world’s best batsmen.
