Basit Ali exposes Virat Kohli; tells the world his struggles against spin
Published - 06 Aug 2024, 01:53 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:17 AM
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed his surprise at ace Indian batter Virat Kohli's struggles against spinners during the ongoing three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Basit Ali stated that Virat Kohli isn't well-prepared for the series after his back-to-back disappointing outings against Sri Lanka.
Virat Kohli came under scrutiny after failing to score in the first two ODIs against Sri Lanka. The right-handed batter has faced difficulties against Sri Lankan spinners on a turning pitch. He managed to register scores of 24 runs and 14 runs. Team India is trailing 0-1 in the series after losing the second ODI match.
Virat Kohli Is Not In Practice - Basit Ali
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali said that it is unexpected for proven player Virat Kohli to get out LBW twice in two ODIs against Sri Lanka. Ali stated that it's understandable if players like Shivam Dube and Shreyas Iyer were dismissed in the same manner in back-to-back matches.
"A great batsman like Virat Kohli, the world's number one batsman, has been out LBW twice. It's understandable if it happens to Iyer or Dube, but Virat Kohli is Virat Kohli. This means that he is not in practice," Basit said.
Virat Kohli got off to a decent start, scoring 24 runs in the first match on August 2. The 35-year-old batter failed to convert his start and was out LBW to leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. In the second game, Kohli was dismissed LBW by Hasaranga's replacement, Jeffrey Vandersay, after scoring 14 runs off 19 balls.
These People Have Come Without Practice - Basit Ali
Basit Ali also said that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, who were not part of the T20I series, came to the series without enough practice on turning tracks. The former Pakistan batter stated that this lack of practice led to the batting lineup's struggles.
"It did not seem that this is the batting lineup which rules the world. I feel that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul probably haven't even practiced. These people have come without practice," Basit added.
The 53-year-old stated that Gautam Gambhir should consider including Rishabh Pant, Riyan Parag, and Rinku Singh in the playing XI. Ali warned that relying on reputations rather than current form could hurt their chances in the Champions Trophy 2025.
"I don't understand what is Shreyas Iyer going to do with such performances. I think the time has come for Rishabh Pant, Riyan Parag, and Rinku Singh. India's 50-over domestic tournament will be vital for Gautam Gambhir because he will have to take some players from there. If India pick players based on reputation, the results won't be too good in the Champions Trophy," he further stated.
The series opener between India and Sri Lanka ended in a tie, with both teams scoring 230 runs. In the second ODI of the three-match series, Sri Lanka defeated India by 34 runs in Colombo. Jeffrey Vandersay took six wickets as India was bowled out for 208. Sri Lanka leads the series 1-0 with one match remaining.
The third ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, August 7. India, led by Rohit Sharma, will look to bounce back and level the series.
