How Virat Kohli can regain his best form in Tests

Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s modern legends, has been facing an unusual challenge in Test cricket, especially during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Despite scoring a magnificent century in the first Test at Perth, his subsequent struggles, particularly with deliveries outside the off stump, have sparked concern and discussion. Given Kohli’s stature as a match-winner and a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup, these issues have naturally drawn comparisons to challenges faced by cricketing greats in the past.

Kohli’s struggles in the BGT have raised concerns and history has shown that even the greatest players go through testing phases. For Indian fans, Kohli’s resurgence isn’t just a hope but an expectation—a belief that their champion will once again deliver when it matters the most. Let’s have a detailed look at three key strategies that can help Kohli rediscover his peak form and counter the challenges posed by the Australian bowling attack.

3 ways how Virat Kohli can regain his lost mojo in Tests

1. Revisiting technique and footwork

Kohli’s dismissals in the current series have followed a worrying pattern. Bowlers have consistently exploited his tendency to chase deliveries outside the off stump, especially early in his innings. This technical lapse often results in edges to the slip cordon or wicketkeeper, cutting short his time at the crease.

Solution: To address this, Kohli needs to focus on tightening his technique and refining his footwork. This approach involves the following key adjustments:

Defensive footwork: Kohli must ensure precise foot movement. By either committing forward fully to meet the ball or staying back to play with a straighter bat, he can minimize half-measures that often lead to trouble. The goal is to get into a stable position where he plays the ball late, under his eyes, reducing the chances of edging.

Selective aggression: Kohli’s trademark cover drive, while elegant and effective, has also become his Achilles’ heel when overused. Adopting a more cautious approach, especially against deliveries in the corridor of uncertainty, will allow him to neutralize the bowlers’ plans. He should pick his moments to attack, waiting for balls in his scoring zones.

Focused net sessions: Intensive practice with a clear intent to counter off-side deliveries is crucial. Batting against bowlers or throwdowns aimed specifically at the fifth and sixth stump lines will help Kohli improve his judgment in leaving deliveries outside off.

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2. Mental reset and patience

While technical flaws are apparent, the mental pressure on Kohli cannot be overlooked. As a senior player and global superstar, the weight of expectations can amplify the effects of a string of low scores. Frustration and eagerness to dominate bowlers early often lead to rash decisions, resulting in avoidable dismissals.

Solution: To regain composure at the crease, Kohli can implement a technical, cricket-specific reset that emphasizes clarity and discipline:

Judgment of length: Kohli must refocus on judging the length of deliveries early. Practicing specific drills, like facing short-pitched bowling machines or throwdowns replicating good-length deliveries outside off stump, will help sharpen his decision-making to leave balls outside his scoring zone.

Playing under the eyes: One of Kohli’s strengths has always been his ability to play late. Practicing with softer hands and ensuring the bat face remains angled down during defensive strokes will reduce the chances of edging deliveries.

Drill-based consistency: A technical drill that Kohli could adopt is the “off-stump discipline drill.” Bowlers or machines target the fifth stump consistently, with Kohli focusing on playing only when the ball is on or inside the line of the stumps. Leaving balls outside this area can reinforce discipline and rebuild confidence.

3. Strategic shot selection and game awareness

Kohli’s natural instinct is to dominate the opposition and assert his authority. While this mindset has yielded countless match-winning innings in the past, it has also led to premeditated shots that don’t align with the game situation. This eagerness to attack, particularly when under pressure, often plays into the hands of opposition bowlers.

Solution: A more nuanced approach to shot selection and situational awareness can help Kohli counter the Australian attack effectively:

Shot selection: Kohli needs to prioritize playing the ball on its merit. While attacking strokes remain an integral part of his game, over-reliance on the cover drive must be curtailed. Instead, Kohli can look to rotate the strike with singles, focus on shots that are less risky, and build his innings patiently.

Visualization techniques: Kohli should actively visualize himself playing deliveries outside off stump with discipline. Mental rehearsals of leaving the ball, defending solidly, and scoring only off loose deliveries can reshape his instincts during the game.

Adapting to bowlers: Kohli has excelled in the past by analyzing bowlers and formulating specific strategies against them. Revisiting footage of his successful innings in Australia, where he dominated bowlers like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, could remind him of what worked and how he adjusted his game previously.

Learning from the legendary cricketer

A standout example is Sachin Tendulkar‘s legendary double century against Australia in the 2004 Sydney Test. At that time, Tendulkar was struggling with his cover drives, a shot that had often brought him success but had also led to his dismissals. Fully aware of this vulnerability, Tendulkar made the extraordinary decision to completely avoid playing the cover drive throughout his innings—a move that required immense mental strength and discipline.

Instead, he focused on scoring runs towards the leg side, patiently waiting for the bowlers to stray into his preferred zones. Tendulkar’s ability to adapt his natural game under pressure resulted in a monumental unbeaten 241 that not only silenced his critics but also showcased his unmatched temperament, resilience, and mastery of the game.

If Kohli adopts a similar mindset of playing within himself, controlling his natural instincts, and temporarily prioritizing discipline over flair, he can stabilize his game, regain confidence, and set up big innings for the team.

Also READ: Fact Check: Did Anil Kumble lash out at Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after their failures in the Gabba Test?

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