Virat Kohli's focus not on Cricket? Shocking allegations arise from West Indies
Published - 11 Dec 2024, 10:53 AM | Updated - 11 Dec 2024, 11:07 AM
West Indies legend Andy Roberts has shared his thoughts on star Indian batter Virat Kohli's struggles in Test cricket over the past five years. Andy Roberts offered advice to Virat Kohli to focus more on the longer format of the game, adding that many top players are struggling in the modern era.
Kohli's form has been a topic of discussion during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia. The right-handed batter showcased his class with an unbeaten century in the second innings of the first Test in Perth. However, he managed scores of only 7 and 11 runs in the Adelaide pink-ball Test.
Virat Kohli Needs To Be Focused - Andy Roberts
Many experts backed Virat Kohli to rediscover his form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, considering his impressive record in Australia. However, the 36-year-old batter has registered three failures out of four innings in Australia so far.
During a chat with Mid-Day, Andy Roberts advised Virat Kohli to focus on Test cricket to overcome his struggles. He emphasized that the batter needs to be fully focused on the longer format to get runs and score heavily.
"I don’t know if there will be a revival after the Adelaide defeat, but get your batting right. One of your best batsmen of all time has been struggling for the last five years," Roberts said.
"He needs to be focused on the longer version of the game. You will get runs and score heavily in Test cricket only when you are fully focused on the longer form. The standard of Test cricket is not the same. The top batsmen look as if they are struggling," he added.
You Are Not Playing On Indian Pitches - Andy Roberts
Andy Roberts also questioned India's decision to bat first in the Adelaide pink-ball Test, especially after their pacers had outperformed Australia's bowlers in the previous Test in Perth. Roberts said that conditions in Australia are different from Indian pitches.
“Why did you guys bat first in Adelaide? India’s fast bowlers bowled Australia out cheaply in both innings (104 and 238) at Perth. If my fast bowlers outbowl the opposition pacers in the previous Test, I’m not going to give the rivals the first preference in the next Test. Remember, you are not playing on Indian pitches,” Roberts concluded.
Australia Secured 10-Wicket Victory in Adelaide to Level Series 1-1
Since 2020, Virat Kohli has scored 1,961 runs in 36 Tests at an average of 32.14, with just 3 centuries and 9 fifties. His struggles were evident in the Test series against New Zealand, where he managed only 93 runs in three games. He has to regain form to help the team secure a series victory in Australia.
India was dismissed for just 180 runs in their first innings. Australia scored 337 runs and took a crucial 157-run lead. In their second innings, India was again bowled out cheaply for 175 runs, leaving Australia with a target of only 19 runs. The hosts successfully chased it down without losing a wicket.
Also read: Pat Cummins silences Indian reporter over question on Travis Head's lie exposed by Mohammed Siraj
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Andy Roberts Virat Kohli India National Cricket Team Australia National Cricket Team India vs Australia Australia vs India IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy