Cheteshwar Pujara teaches 'struggling' Virat Kohli batting ahead of MCG Test

Cheteshwar Pujara has offered strategic insights to help Virat Kohli rediscover his form ahead of the third Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. The upcoming Boxing Day Test match will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26.

The veteran Indian batter emphasized that Virat Kohli needs to focus on addressing the challenges posed by deliveries outside the off-stump in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. He believes that a shift in mindset and a disciplined approach could be key to countering these challenges.

Cheteshwar Pujara suggests key adjustments for Virat Kohli to overcome off-stump woes

Pujara has also pointed out that the break between the third and fourth Test matches provides Kohli with an opportunity to mentally reset and approach the next match with a fresh perspective. Notably, the Gabba Test ended on December 18.

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Cheteshwar Pujara said on Star Sports: “Virat Kohli will definitely feel that the channel outside the off stump he is getting out more. But for that, it is important for him to bring a change in his mindset. Secondly, he should do well in practice. So, somewhere or the other, he is doing well in practice.

Secondly, the good thing is that the time between the third and the fourth match is enough. So, you can be a little mentally relaxed there. With a fresh mindset, where you know that you can start fresh. You have to forget what has happened in the first three Tests.”

Cheteshwar Pujara says Virat Kohli should focus on getting solid start at the MCG

Furthermore, Cheteshwar Pujara believes that Virat Kohli should focus on getting a solid start, targeting small milestones like scoring 20-30 runs initially and facing enough deliveries to build confidence before going after the Australian bowlers in the upcoming Boxing Day Test.

According to Pujara, surviving the early challenging phase of the innings will help the Indian batting icon to settle in and capitalize on his strengths and make a big score that India badly needs from him in the upcoming fourth Test against Australia, as the ongoing Test series is tied 1-1, and they can’t afford a defeat at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

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The right-handed batter believes that this strategic approach will allow Kohli to regain momentum and unleash his potential for the Indian cricket team, which survived a loss in the third Test in the remainder of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia.

It is necessary for him to bring that confidence: Pujara

Pujara signed off by saying, “It will be important for Virat that he gets a good start. Start well. Score 20-30 runs well and carefully. How to do it strategically is up to him. But that figure is important. Because once he scores 20-30 runs and faces 50-60-70 balls, he will get that confidence. So, it is necessary for him to bring that confidence. And if he does well in the first 20-30-45 minutes, then the time after that will be easy for him to score big.”

Notably, Kohli has scored just 126 runs so far in the five innings in the ongoing five-match Test series in Australia, as India fighting for a place in the WTC Final 2023-25.