Published: December 10, 2024
New Delhi: Facing criticism for his underwhelming performance in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, Virat Kohli is determined to turn his form around as India prepares for the third Test against Australia at the Gabba. The veteran batter has made significant adjustments to his practice routines, with a focus on countering Australia’s bouncy pitches, a move that has drawn praise from cricket experts, including former spinner Harbhajan Singh.
Focused Nets Sessions in Adelaide
Kohli has been a regular at the nets in Adelaide following India’s defeat in the second Test, which ended inside three days. Reports from Team India’s practice sessions indicate that the star batter has shifted focus towards improving his backfoot play, a critical skill to succeed on Australian pitches renowned for their bounce and pace.
Speaking on Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh highlighted Kohli’s deliberate efforts in the nets:
“Kohli has always been a strong front-foot player, a skill suited for Indian conditions. But in Australia, where pitches offer consistent bounce, mastering backfoot play is essential. During practice, he worked extensively on playing short deliveries, leaving or defending them skillfully. This preparation will serve him well at the Gabba.”
Harbhajan Confident of Kohli’s Comeback
Harbhajan lauded Kohli’s commitment to refining his technique and expressed confidence in the former captain’s ability to bounce back.
“Knowing Virat Kohli, we’ve seen him rise stronger after setbacks. His focus on adapting to Australian conditions, particularly his backfoot play, shows his determination. I believe a comeback is on the cards for him in Brisbane.”
Team India Looks to Rebound
The third Test at the Gabba is crucial, with the series tied 1-1. Kohli’s potential resurgence could bolster India’s batting lineup, which struggled in the second Test.
Kohli’s refined approach comes at a time when Team India is under pressure to regain momentum. With the likes of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the mix, a strong batting performance will be key to India’s success in the high-stakes encounter.
Stay tuned to Board of Sports in India (BOSI) for in-depth coverage and live updates of the IND vs. AUS Test series.
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