‘Virat Kohli has struggled in England…’: India coach’s ruthless verdict on batter’s horror show in Australia ODIs

Former India coach Abhishek Nayar expressed confidence that Virat Kohli could bounce back in the third and final ODI against Australia, set to take place in Sydney on Saturday, October 25. Nayar stated that Kohli hasn’t had luck on his side, but his resilience and determination could help him turn things around.

Virat recorded consecutive ducks in the ongoing ODI series against Australia. The Men in Blue posted a total of 265 in the second ODI in Adelaide on Thursday, October 23. However, Australia chased down the target with two wickets in hand and 22 balls to spare, securing a 2-0 series lead ahead of the final match.

Will Take a Lot of Grit and Determination from Virat Kohli - Abhishek Nayar

During a segment on Star Sports’ Game Plan, Abhishek Nayar stated that Virat Kohli has been unlucky so far in the series and added that the batter could turn his fortunes around with grit and determination.

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"You always say you need the rub of the green. He has not had it yet. That doesn't mean he can't. There are two zeroes, all he has to do is add the one on the side. It will take a lot of grit and determination from him, but those are stories," Nayar said.

Virat registered consecutive ducks for the first time in his 304-match ODI career. In both outings, he was forced to bat during the opening powerplay after early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.

A Virat Kohli Doesn't Become a Virat Kohli Without... - Abhishek Nayar

The former India all-rounder stated that Kohli has the ability to recover from setbacks. He noted that Kohli has faced challenges before and has always bounced back. Nayar added that Kohli can overcome his current difficulties.

"A Virat Kohli doesn't become a Virat Kohli without overcoming failures. He has done that in the past. He has struggled in England. Kohli has gone back and conquered it. He has got one more game to conquer his demons, but if there is someone whom I would rely and bet on, that would be Virat," Nayar elaborated.

Kohli has a modest record at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He has scored only 146 runs in seven ODIs at the venue, averaging 24.33 with a strike rate of 82.95 and a highest score of 89.

I Just Feel This Was A Terrific Delivery - Abhishek Nayar

In the same discussion, Abhishek Nayar praised the delivery that dismissed Virat Kohli in the second ODI against Australia. He added that even the best batters might have been deceived, as the seam position suggested the ball would leave him.

"To be honest, regardless of seeing Virat getting out or not, I just feel this was a terrific delivery. I think most batters in the world, who have studied his bowling and understand him, wouldn't expect that delivery because even the way he released it, the seam position suggested the ball would leave him," Nayar said.

The 36-year-old batter initially let the first two balls pass outside off-stump and blocked the third. On the fourth delivery, he misjudged a shot across the line and was trapped LBW.

Also read: Harshit Rana for Player of the Match! Kris Srikkanth brutally mocks pacer for terrible bowling in Adelaide ODI