Virat Kohlioften cited as one of the best batsmen in the history of cricket, he is famous for his consistency, elegant batting and relentless pursuit of runs. Despite his impressive achievements, Kohli has faced notable challenges with spin bowling in recent times. The slow bowlers managed to find weaknesses in their technique and this led to periods of struggle for Indian maestro.
Inconsistent performances highlight spin weakness
Over the last two years, Kohli’s performance against spin in Asia has been erratic. Although he has amassed 606 runs in 26 innings since 2021, his batting average of 28.85 shows that he has failed to convert promising starts into big scores. This reflects his struggles against spinners, especially in subcontinental conditions.
Kohli has been dismissed 21 times during this period and a significant portion of his problems have come against orthodox left-arm spinners. 10 of those dismissals came against this particular type of bowling, with Kohli managing an average of 27.10 against them.
Reasons behind Virat Kohli’s struggle against spin
Technical weakness against orthodox left arm spin
Kohli has shown particular weakness against orthodox left-arm spinners. The ball’s unique angle and trajectory make it difficult to judge its line and length, leading to mistimed shots and frequent dismissals. This problem is compounded when the ball catches and turns sharply, often making it vulnerable to edges and LBWs.
A cautious approach that reflects the fear of being fired
Since 2021, Kohli’s strike rate against spin in Asia has been 49.67, which is below his usual aggressive style. This change in approach may indicate that he is playing cautiously, perhaps to avoid being trapped in front of the stumps. This kind of defensive batting can not only limit his scoring opportunities but also put extra pressure on him to survive long spells against spin.
Footwork issues leading to poor shot selection
A key factor in facing an effective spin is accurate footwork. Known for his sharp moves, Kohli seems to have lost a bit of confidence when it comes to using his legs against spin. This led to poor shot selection, ill-timed shots and frequent misjudgments, which the spinners exploited by targeting his weaknesses.
Also WATCH: IND vs NZ – Virat Kohli stunned by Mitchell Santner’s full toss on Day 2 of second Test
Lack of adaptation to changing pitch conditions
Another reason for Kohli’s struggles could be his inability to adjust his game to suit different pitch conditions. Although earlier known for his adaptability, recent performances have shown that he is unable to find the right balance between attack and defence, especially when faced with slower deliveries on the turning tracks.
Pressure to close shots
As a senior player, Kohli is often expected to hold the innings together, which puts extra responsibility on his shoulders. This pressure can affect his mentality and lead to over-cautious play against the spinners. Instead of playing loosely, he focuses more on staying alive, which reduces his ability to dominate the spinners and score runs.
Problem Solving: Tactical changes are required
To regain his edge against spin, Kohli may have to reassess his approach. Improving his footwork, especially using crease depth, can help him handle sharp turns and changes. Additionally, adopting a more aggressive mindset and choosing targeted shots will allow him to deal with the spin threat more effectively.
While Kohli has faced spin challenges, his experience proves that he can adapt and improve. By making the necessary adjustments and improving his technique, Kohli has the potential to overcome these recent struggles and return to his best against the spin bowlers.
