India coach issues harsh verdict on Virat Kohli’s duck off Mitchell Starc in Perth ODI
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Former Indian assistant coach Abhishek Nayar dissected Virat Kohli's dismissal against Mitchell Starc during the first ODI against Australia in Perth. The former Indian all-rounder felt that Starc remained one step ahead of the veteran Indian batter, who got out playing the wrong shot.
Australia dominated the Indians in Perth, especially the fast bowlers, who had a very hard go at the Indian top order, which comprised the returning greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. India were eventually defeated in the game with a great show by the Australian skipper.
"Mitchell Starc seemed one step ahead" - Abhishek Nayar issues a verdict on Virat Kohli's dismissal
With the former Indian captain returning to the international format after a long gap of 6 months, he was unfortunately dismissed for a duck with a ball that was bowled angling outside the off-stump. The dismissal and Kohli's flaw in playing the ball have been discussed by the former Indian assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.
"The discussion will always be around playing square of the wicket in Australia. With the extra pace, bounce, and lateral movement on offer, you want to let the ball come to you, play it late and behind the body."
"That’s slightly different from what Virat has traditionally done here. He’s someone who likes to take charge, walk towards the bowlers, and play in straighter areas," Nayar said on Kohli's mentality.
"Today was a different challenge. Mitchell Starc seemed one step ahead; he didn’t go for the full and fast deliveries we’re used to seeing, but instead, hit the pitch hard and went across the batter," Nayar observed.
"There were definite plans against Virat," clarified the former Indian coach
Despite the weak start to the series, Abhishek Nayar seems confident that Virat Kohli will reinvent himself and come back stronger in the next ODI against Australia. The second ODI will be played at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.
"Yes, there were definite plans against Virat. In white-ball cricket, unlike the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where there was more grass and movement, this was about variation in pace and angles," he said.
"I’m sure Virat will go back, study his videos, and look at adjustments, maybe playing deeper in the crease or later towards third man could be better options. We saw him work on that during the BGT, and I’m confident he’ll reflect, adapt, and come back with better plans to deliver the runs we all expect from him," he added on Kohli's greatness in the game.
Virat Kohli returns to Adelaide for the second ODI
A rain-marred fixture in Perth saw the game being reduced to just 26 overs, as India were dismissed for 136 in their innings. KL Rahul and Axar Patel dominated with a partnership before Mitchell Marsh's unbeaten 46* saw the Aussies register a comforting win.
Virat Kohli missed out on runs this time around, but is expected to fire in the second ODI as the game returns to the most loved track of the Australian island. Kohli has scored the most runs at Adelaide, as he loves to bat on that surface.
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India National Cricket Team Australia National Cricket Team India vs Australia India tour of Australia Virat Kohli Mitchell Starc Abhishek Nayar
