NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli’s repeated dismissals outside the off-stump in Australia are a sign of worry not only for the India batting legend but also for the team with the Border Gavaskar Trophy and a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final on the line.
In the third Test of the five-match series at the Gabba in Brisbane, Kohli was again dismissed caught behind while chasing a wide ball and nicking it to be caught by Alex Carey off Josh Hazlewood.
Except his unbeaten hundred in the second innings of the Perth Test, all of Kohli’s dismissals in this series have been caught behind the wicket.
Kohli’s weakness against deliveries outside the off-stump is well documented, particularly early in his innings. This vulnerability has been exploited by bowlers across formats, especially in Test cricket.
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Kohli has a natural tendency to play expansive cover drives. This can lead to loose shots against balls that are wide and swinging or seaming away, and bowlers often exploit this by bowling a fourth- or fifth-stump line, drawing him into the drive.
When Kohli is fresh at the crease, he is more susceptible to deliveries outside the off-stump. His eagerness to get going sometimes results in loose shots.
Swing bowlers like James Anderson and Pat Cummins have often troubled him by moving the ball away late, forcing edges towards the slips or the wicketkeeper, when playing away from his body.
Bowlers set him up with deliveries outside off, gradually increasing the challenge by varying lengths and movement. A well-placed fielder at gully or a third slip often supports this line of attack.
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It is here that Kohli can draw inspiration from Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 241 that the maestro played in Sydney during the 2003-04 tour.
It was the last Test of the series, which was level at 1-1, and also the last Test for Aussie legend Steve Waugh. Tendulkar was yet to make a mark in the series and was getting dismissed caught behind the wicket before this marathon knock.
Batting first, Aakash Chopra (45) and Virender Sehwag (72) set the stage for Tendulkar, who came up with a master stroke to baffle the Aussies. Tendulkar simply took the cover drive out of his game, refusing to score between mid-off and point and not getting lured by deliveries bowled outside his off-stump by the Aussie pacers. What Sachin showed at the SCG that day was a lesson in batting.
In an exhibition of masterful batting that resulted in Tendulkar’s third Test double-century and 32nd hundred, Tendulkar added 353 runs with another Australia tormentor VVS Laxman (178) as Brett Lee conceded 201 runs off 39.3 overs and India declared at a mammoth 705/7. Waugh had to bat out of his skin in the second innings to save the game for Australia.
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Tendulkar’s approach in that innings was a masterclass in adapting to challenging conditions and overcoming personal vulnerabilities.
The knock was a testament to his mental toughness and patience. By leaving balls outside off-stump and focusing on scoring in safer areas, he neutralized the Australian bowlers and frustrated their plans.
Kohli, too, can bring similar patience and discipline to fix his troubles. Tendulkar played within his limitations, showing that adaptability and situational awareness are crucial to succeed in tough phases of a series.
Kohli could take a leaf out of this by not allowing bowlers to dictate terms. Adjusting his technique and shot selection depending on the conditions and opposition plans would help him counter his weaknesses.
Tendulkar’s 241 not out wasn’t just about eliminating errors, it was also about maximizing the time at the crease and wearing down the opposition. He displayed unmatched concentration for over 600 minutes, showing that great innings require sustained focus.
Kohli, who thrives on long innings, could benefit from doubling down on his ability to bat for extended periods by cutting out risky shots when conditions demand.
By following Tendulkar’s Sydney approach, Kohli can rise above challenges to deliver match-winning performances in the toughest of conditions.
In successful phases, Kohli has shown the ability to leave balls outside off, especially in Tests. His ability to curb his instincts makes him harder to dismiss this way.
Though Kohli has worked on tightening his technique, particularly in challenging conditions like England and New Zealand, the bait outside the off-stump remains a constant test for him, as it does for many great batters.
