In a riveting display of batting mastery, Virat Kohli rediscovered his vintage form in the second innings of India’s recent Test match in Perth. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has credited Kohli’s subtle yet effective adjustment to his batting stance as a key factor in his success on a challenging Australian pitch. This insightful commentary sheds light on Kohli’s transformation and why this adjustment played a pivotal role in his resilience against the Australian attack.
Kohli’s Stance Adjustment: A Game-Changer in Perth
Virat Kohli arrived in Australia after a prolonged dry spell in international cricket, raising concerns about his form and his ability to perform on challenging pitches. The doubts about his place in the team were intensified by his struggles against spin on turning tracks in the past months. However, Kohli answered his critics in spectacular fashion, scoring his 30th Test century in the first Test at Perth, silencing naysayers and proving once again why he is one of the best in the world.
Sunil Gavaskar, who has closely observed Kohli’s game, believes that Kohli’s stance adjustment in the second innings was the key to unlocking his successful return to form. According to Gavaskar, Kohli’s body language was more relaxed as he came to bat in the second innings, which allowed him to play with greater confidence. “His body was completely relaxed when he came into bat in the second innings. In the first innings, India had lost two wickets early, and that pressure might have affected him,” Gavaskar explained on Star Sports.
The former captain noted that Kohli’s stance was slightly altered compared to his usual setup. By adjusting his legs to a wider position, Kohli was able to achieve the height and balance necessary for handling the bounce of the Australian pitch. Gavaskar further praised Kohli’s ability to execute technically difficult shots, highlighting a stunning mid-wicket boundary off Hazlewood. This shot was particularly impressive because it required Kohli to open up his stance and play the ball with precision — a move that many found difficult on such a bouncy pitch.
Matthew Hayden Weighs in on Kohli’s Technical Mastery
Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden also weighed in on Kohli’s stance adjustment, offering valuable insight into how this modification helped Kohli combat the unpredictable bounce of the Perth pitch. Hayden noted that Kohli’s decision to remain more upright in his stance allowed him to stay on top of the bounce, which was critical in facing Australia’s aggressive bowling tactics.
“It’s a very good point because the reverse can be said also to someone touring India and having to lower their stance,” Hayden commented. He compared Kohli’s move to his own experience of adjusting his technique on turning tracks in India. By adopting a more upright stance, Kohli was able to keep his head over the ball, ensuring that he could stay in line with the delivery, an important aspect when facing variable bounce.
In addition to being upright, Kohli made another key adjustment — he played the ball later. This subtle shift allowed him to react more effectively to the challenging Australian conditions. Hayden pointed out that when Kohli is out of form, he tends to play the ball too aggressively, often feeling for it with more force. However, by giving himself extra time, Kohli was able to play with more composure and control.
Gavaskar Compares Kohli’s Struggles to Tennis Legends
Drawing a parallel between Kohli’s struggles and those of tennis legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, Gavaskar emphasized the unrealistic expectations placed on players of Kohli’s caliber. Just as the tennis greats are judged harshly when they fail to win a title, Kohli is often criticized for not scoring centuries, even when he consistently posts solid scores in the 60s and 70s.
Gavaskar explained, “With Virat Kohli, because everybody is so used to him scoring hundreds regularly, when he doesn’t, even if he’s getting 70-80, people say, ‘Oh, he’s not in form.’” He acknowledged that fans, particularly Indian fans, tend to be “greedy” for their idols to consistently perform at the highest level. Despite this, Gavaskar believes that the hunger for Kohli to score centuries is a testament to how highly he is regarded in the cricketing world.
Conclusion: Kohli’s Resilience and the Path Ahead
Virat Kohli’s resurgence in Perth is a testament to his technical prowess and ability to adapt to challenging conditions. The subtle adjustments to his stance, along with his calm and calculated approach to batting, allowed him to rediscover the form that has made him a cricketing icon. While Kohli’s critics may have questioned his place in the team, his performance in the Perth Test serves as a reminder that even the best players experience lean patches, but their greatness always shines through in the end.
As India continues their tour of Australia, Virat Kohli’s confidence and determination will be crucial to the team’s success. With his vintage form back, Kohli looks poised to continue dominating world cricket for years to come.
