“Wahan out honge” - Former India cricketer slams Virat Kohli’s weakness during BGT 2024-25
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has pointed out how India can learn from Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that the Aussies know where to bowl to Virat Kohli to get him out. This was Kohli's 42nd caught-behind dismissal, which accounts for 21.4 percent of his wickets.
Kaif stressed that Scott Boland, who is not a regular with the Aussies, also knows what would work against Kohli. Similarly, the Indian bowlers can use tactics against someone like Travis Head, who dominated India in the first games with scores of 140 and 89, respectively.
Like Kohli, Head has also been dismissed caught behind 16 times which accounts for his 20.3 percent of wickets.
Mohammad Kaif said on X (via NDTV):
"Virat Kohli ki kamzori log pakad ke rakhe huye hai. Off-stump ke bahar ball dalo, wahan out honge."
Translated version:
"(People know Virat Kohli's weakness and hold on to it. Bowl outside the off-stump, he'll get out there)."
He added:
"Someone like Scott Boland plays only two or three Tests in a year, but even he knows exactly where you need to bowl to Kohli. You know that Kohli will mess up around the off stump and send a catch to the wicket-keeper or slip cordon."
"So, why can't the Indian bowlers target Travis Head's weakness consistently with proper planning? Why can't we pinpoint Head's weakness and keep bowling outside the off-stump or target him with short balls? Every batter has weaknesses, why can't we plan properly against Travis Head and trap him?"
"Virat Kohli is one of the best cricketers we have" - Kapil Dev backs Kohli to deliver for India in remaining Tests
Former India captain Kapil Dev has backed Virat Kohli to deliver in the remainder of the five-match series after failure in Adelaide. The 1983 World Cup-winning captain said via Hindustan Times:
"Virat Kohli is one of the best cricketers we have seen in our country. If you put top four batsmen, he will be there. If he is going through a rough time, it is only up to him how fast he can bounce back."
Virat Kohli departed for 7 and 11 in the second Test as Australia won the 10 wickets. He, however, smashed a century in the series opener in Perth, where India won by 295 runs. This was his first Test ton after 16 months, 30th overall in the format.