Virat Kohli’s vulnerability exposed as Sanjay Manjrekar reveals how Australia will target India star

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar revealed the strategies the Australian bowlers might use against Virat Kohli in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Sanjay Manjrekar said that the Australian bowlers would likely bowl outside Virat Kohli’s off-stump during the five-match Test series.

Virat Kohli has started preparing in the nets for the first Test against Australia in Perth. India is low on confidence after being whitewashed by New Zealand in their recent home Test series. The loss dented their chances of reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final for the third consecutive cycle.

Virat Knows Exactly What's Going To Be Planned - Sanjay Manjrekar

Speaking on Star Sports, Sanjay Manjrekar said that Australian pacers will likely start by bowling outside the off-stump deliveries. Manjrekar also said that Australians might try to cramp him for room and attack his body, similar to New Zealand. He added that Kohli is well aware of these strategies.

"Virat knows exactly what's going to be planned. They'll start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mood is. These days he looks to leave balls outside the off-stump and if they have anything that is pitched right up, he will look to drive," Manjrekar said.

"Nowadays, they are also trying to cramp him for room and attack his body because he loves to get forward so much. So that is something New Zealand tried, which is very smart. And then if he is so focused outside off, that typical one of landing a ball on the middle stump which Josh Hazlewood would try. So all those methods will be tried by the Australians. And Virat Kohli is aware of that," he added.

🚨 What’s Australia’s game plan for @imVkohli ? 🏏 #SanjayManjrekar analyzes how Australia might attack Virat’s current batting style and how King Kohli will be ready for whatever comes his way! 💪#AUSvINDonStar 👉 1st Test starts on FRI 22 NOV, 7 AM on Star Sports 1! pic.twitter.com/W3wiz8z7QC

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 14, 2024

Virat Kohli's Test Record vs Australia

Kohli hasn't performed as per expectations in the ongoing calendar year. He has averaged just 22.72 in six Tests this year, which is one of the lowest of his career. The right-handed batter scored only 93 runs in six innings during India's recent humiliating 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home.

However, the 36-year-old batter has a good record against Australia in Tests, with 2,042 runs in 25 matches at an average of 47.48, including five half-centuries and eight centuries. Kohli has an even better record in Australia, scoring 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08, with six centuries and four fifties.

Virat Kohli’s Test Record at Perth

Virat Kohli has played two matches at Perth, the venue for the first Test. In 2012, he scored 44 and 75 in two innings. He scored a century in his second outing in Perth, but his team couldn't secure a victory. Kohli's form will be pivotal for India’s success in the highly anticipated Test series against Australia.

Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, along with other squad members, practiced in the nets at WACA to prepare for the upcoming series. Rohit Sharma has not joined the team in Australia due to personal reasons. Head Coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that Bumrah will captain the team if Rohit is unavailable.

Also read: IND vs AUS: Sachin Tendulkar told to join team India in Australia