BRISBANE, Dec 16: On Monday, cricketing icon Sunil Gavaskar encouraged Indian superstar Virat Kohli to take a leaf out of Sachin Tendulkar’s historic innings of 241 against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2004. Gavaskar advised Kohli to avoid the cover drive as he seeks to overcome his ongoing challenges with deliveries outside the off-stump.
During a rain-affected third day of the Brisbane Test, Kohli once again faced disappointment as he was caught behind off Josh Hazlewood for just 3 runs, leaving India in a precarious position at 51 for 4 when play was called off.
Gavaskar pointed out that Kohli, whose scores on this tour have been 5, 100 not out, 7, 11, and 3, could gain valuable lessons from Tendulkar, who, during a similar phase on the 2003-04 tour of Australia, scored an incredible 241 runs off 436 balls, hitting 33 fours while largely avoiding risky off-side shots.
“Kohli can look to his idol, Sachin Tendulkar. The discipline and control Tendulkar displayed while scoring 241 runs at Sydney is remarkable,” Gavaskar told Star Sports. “He didn’t play any shots to the off-side, especially not in the cover region, as he had a similar struggle before that innings.”
Gavaskar suggested that Kohli, who has been dismissed caught behind three times this tour, should focus on defending every ball in the channel of off-stump and explore alternative scoring options, much like Tendulkar did.
“Kohli should maintain mental and tactical control. If the ball is on off-stump, he should think, ‘I will defend it and not attempt to score from it,’” Gavaskar advised.
The legendary player emphasized that Kohli should rely more on his powerful bottom-hand technique rather than going for aggressive drives to eliminate his batting woes. “With his exceptional bottom-hand play, he can direct the ball straight or towards midwicket,” Gavaskar concluded. (Agencies)
