Virat Kohli Learns From His Mistakes Instead Of Repeating Them: VVS Laxman

Former Indian middle-order Test batsman VVS Laxman was amongst those in awe of Virat Kohli’s match-winning innings on Sunday as it crafted a win for India in the second T20I against England. Virat Kohli has been under fire of late due to his diminishing returns with the bat; however, he roared back to his best with an unbeaten 49-ball 73. VVS Laxman pointed out that the Indian captain learns from his mistakes instead of repeating them.

Before that 49-ball 73 in the second T20I, Virat Kohli recorded two consecutive ducks in international cricket – the first time done so since his debut. However, the 32-year old was in his supreme best on Sunday as he paced his innings incredibly well in pursuit of 165. He smacked five fours and three sixes, adding 94 in no time with Ishan Kishan to put England into the back foot. Kohli also became the first batsman to reach 3000 runs in T20Is.

VVS Laxman pointed out that Virat Kohli once again iterated why he remains an integral part of Indian cricket and one of the best of all time since he learns from his mistakes instead of repeating them. The 46-year old observed how Kohli lost his wicket in the first T20I as he seemed in a hurry. Nevertheless, in the second T20I, he took his time and understood his formula.

“It was another example today why Virat Kohli is such an important player for Indian cricket and why he is such a great player. He doesn’t repeat his mistakes, he learns from them. We saw in the last match that he showed the hurry in the first few deliveries and because of that he got out off Adil Rashid’s bowling. But today he took his time and he knows what is his formula,” Laxman told Star Sports.

Virat Kohli doesn’t depend on fours and sixes only: VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman further said that Virat Kohli is not the batsman to depend on boundaries only as he takes time to set and elevate his strike rate eventually. Since he believes in remaining fit, the 134-Test veteran pointed out that Kohli emphasises running between the wickets consistently. Laxman claimed that since the strengths of Kieron Pollard and Chris Gayle are to play big shots, Kohli’s is to hit those with conventional shots and maintaining the pressure on the bowlers.

“Generally whenever Virat Kohli performs consistently in the T20 format, he takes his time, gets set and after that his strike rate changes. He doesn’t depend on fours and sixes only, converts ones into twos because he gives absolute emphasis on fitness. So, this is definitely a learning. Everyone should know what is their strength. Pollard and Chris Gayle’s strengths are to play the big shots. Virat Kohli’s strength is to hit fours and sixes with conventional cricketing shots and keeping the pressure on the bowlers” he added.

Also Read: Bhuvneshwar Conveyed To Us After The First Over That Slower One Will Work Well: Shardul Thakur