In the first match of Australia’s ODI series, the Indian team had to face defeat by 7 wickets under the DLS rule. Everyone’s eyes were on former Team India captain Virat Kohli in this match, but he disappointed. Kohli faced 8 balls in the comeback match and could not even open his account. Kohli was caught out by Mitchell Starc at backward point by Cooper Connolly.
Former assistant coach of Team India, Abhishek Nair believes that Starc will be in this match. Virat Kohli Were thinking one step ahead. Starc trapped Kohli on the off stump ball. Nair also pointed out this mistake of Kohli, but also expressed confidence that he will work on his technique before the Adelaide ODI, only then his strong comeback will be ensured. Nair said that Starc had changed his bowling strategy this time. Usually Starc bowls fuller length and faster balls, but this time he kept the ball away from Kohli while hitting the pitch.
Abhishek Nair told GeoHotstar, ‘Stark took a step forward. He did not bowl the kind of full and fast balls for which he is famous. He hit the ball on the pitch and let it go away from the batsman. This was a clear plan against Virat. Like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, there was not much grass or movement here. Variety in speed and angle matters.
‘Playing on the backfoot will be beneficial’
Abhishek Nair further said, ‘I am sure that Virat Kohli will now make some improvements after watching his videos. Perhaps playing on the back foot or playing the ball late towards third man would be better for him. We saw him working on this during BGT. I have full confidence that they will make a strong comeback by implementing this. We all expect this from him.
In the first ODI against Australia, Virat Kohli’s weakness on balls going outside the off-stump came to the fore again. The last time he played the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Australian soil, he was out repeatedly in the same manner. Now that there is confusion regarding his ODI career, it is important for Kohli to regain both form and confidence by playing big innings in the remaining matches.
Rohit Sharma also could not do anything special with the bat in Perth ODI. Rohit was caught out at second slip on the ball of Josh Hazlewood after scoring 8 runs. The second match of the ODI series between India and Australia is to be played on 23 October (Thursday) at Adelaide Oval. Strong performance is expected from Rohit and Virat Kohli in this match.
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