Ashish Nehra Labels Virat Kohli As An Impulsive Captain

Former Indian Ashish Nehra is amongst the many to question Virat Kohli’s decisions following India’s comprehensive ODI series defeat to Australia. The ongoing ODI series was a reminder to India of their bowling frailties, exposed brutally by the Australian batsmen, who plundered runs at will. Ashish Nehra has labelled Virat Kohli as an impulsive captain.

Australia’s mighty and deep batting line-up has given India a massive reality check by hammering 374 and 389 in the first two ODIs respectively. India’s new-ball bowlers Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, not being able to pick up wickets in the first ten overs, has been the chief cause of concern. It has allowed the openers to build a century stand, setting the stage for the rest to build upon it and post an imposing total.

Ashish Nehra pointed out that after bowling two overs from Mohammed Shami, he brought Navdeep Saini to bowl. Nehra understands that the Virat Kohli wanted Shami to bowl from the other end; however, the move to give Jasprit Bumrah only two overs with the new ball was baffling. He also addressed the lack of the sixth bowling option, forcing Kohli to get overs from Mayank Agarwal and Hardik Pandya.

“In today’s game, Virat Kohli gave two overs to Mohammed Shami and then brought Navdeep Saini. He wanted Shami to bowl from the other end, that I understand, but then, why would he use Jasprit Bumrah for only two overs with the new ball? I agree Virat Kohli is making frequent changes in bowling. He only had five bowling options. India used Mayank Agarwal and Hardik Pandya – it was a decision made on the ground. If things were going in India’s way, you would not have seen these two getting an over,” Nehra told Cricbuzz.

Virat Kohli is being hasty in his decisions: Ashish Nehra

The 41-year old further said that he felt Virat Kohli was in a hurry in the first ODI, making it look like India was chasing 475 instead of 375 and that he backs him to successfully pursue 350. Aside from that, Ashish Nehra highlighted that the 32-year old needs to stop being impulsive and not make too many changes in the bowling.

“Virat Kohli is being hasty in his decisions. In the previous game (first ODI) as well, after Kohli was dropped, it seemed like he is in a hurry. Kohli has chased 350 several times in his career, it is not a big deal for him. But it seemed like he was chasing 475, not 375. I believe, Kohli is an impulsive captain. He is making too many changes in his bowling. And this is an area that he needs to take care of,” the Delhi-born former cricketer added.

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Unimpressed With Virat Kohli’s Captaincy Tactics And India’s Selection Errors