Virat Kohli’s performance in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 against Australia has been a hot topic of discussion. Despite Kohli’s stellar reputation, the stylish Indian batter struggled with deliveries outside the off-stump, managing only 190 runs in nine innings, including a solitary century. His lack of form, especially with the deliveries on the sixth stump, has led to several analyses of his batting technique and preparation.
Yograj Singh’s Critical Comments on Gambhir’s Role in Kohli’s Struggles
In the aftermath of Kohli’s challenging series, former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, indirectly directed blame at India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, for Virat Kohli’s failure to tackle deliveries outside the off-stump. Yograj, known for his candid remarks, suggested that Gambhir, despite being a legendary opening batsman, has failed to provide the right kind of guidance for Kohli. He implied that Gambhir’s role should go beyond traditional coaching and lean more toward effective man-management at the elite level.
Virat Kohli’s Performance: A Series of Near Misses
Throughout the BGT series, Kohli had several missed opportunities and was dismissed eight times in nine innings playing deliveries outside the off-stump. His total of 190 runs, with a single 100 not out in the second innings of the Perth Test, highlighted the inconsistencies in his batting. Notably, the 100 came after a long drought, but the remaining 90 runs from eight innings reflected his inability to overcome his technical flaws, especially his tendency to play loose shots outside the off-stump.
Gambhir’s Role as a Coach: Should He Be a Coach or a Man-Manager?
Yograj Singh emphasized that sometimes an exceptional player like Virat Kohli doesn’t need traditional coaching but rather a “man-manager” who can guide them through mental blocks and technical faults. According to Yograj, it was Gambhir’s responsibility to understand when to guide Kohli beyond the nets and provide the mental and tactical advice needed to overcome his weaknesses. He pointed out that sometimes it is not about fixing a player’s technique through drills but about understanding the player’s mental state and offering encouragement when their confidence dips.
The Power of Straight Batting: A Tip from Sunil Gavaskar
Yograj Singh also referenced the advice given by cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar, who during the BGT commentary, mentioned that Kohli should have focused on playing the ball straight and not attempting shots that take him outside the off-stump. This advice aligns with the traditional techniques of great Indian batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar, who successfully faced Australian bowlers in similar conditions by playing straight and leaving the deliveries outside the off-stump. Yograj echoed this sentiment, asserting that Kohli should have focused on playing these deliveries more defensively.
Coaching vs. Man-Management: Understanding the Difference
Drawing a distinction between coaching and management, Yograj Singh argued that coaching involves technical fault correction, such as identifying a player’s weakness and suggesting solutions. On the other hand, man-management requires emotional intelligence, guiding the player through difficult periods in their career. Yograj believes that players of the caliber of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma need someone to not just point out their mistakes but to help them regain their mental composure during tough phases.
Kohli’s Future in Indian Cricket: Rest and Recovery Ahead
As Kohli faces a much-needed rest from the ODI series against England, the focus will shift to his performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy. The break will give him the time to recharge and refocus, potentially with a fresh perspective on how to tackle tough situations, including dealing with deliveries outside the off-stump.
Conclusion: Is Gambhir the Right Man for the Job?
Yograj Singh’s comments raise pertinent questions about Gautam Gambhir’s role as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. While Gambhir’s experience as a successful opening batsman and his aggressive style have helped Indian cricket in certain aspects, his approach towards guiding top-order players like Virat Kohli may need refinement. A balance between technical coaching and man-management might be the key to unlocking Kohli’s potential and helping him return to his best form, especially when dealing with tough conditions like those in Australia.
As the Indian team looks forward to future challenges, including the Champions Trophy, it will be interesting to see if changes are made in coaching strategy to better support players like Virat Kohli through periods of poor form.
By addressing both technical and mental aspects of the game, and with the right balance of coaching and management, Virat Kohli can undoubtedly overcome his recent struggles and reassert himself as one of the best batters in world cricket.
