Virat Kohli's Defensive Tactics Might Cost India The Game: VVS Laxman

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman wasn’t impressed with skipper Virat Kohli’s tactics in the ongoing Test match. New Zealand lost a wicket in the very first ball of the third day’s play but the tail fought hard to bring the hosts on top.

The last three wickets added a total of 132 runs and played a vital part in taking the deficit to 183- which didn’t augur well for the visitors.  Virat Kohli and Co. were floored for mere 165 runs in the first innings. On the other hand, the Kiwis put on a daunting total of 348 and scalped four vital sticks on the third day.

With BJ Watling and Tim Southee back to the pavilion, India missed a trick by not having a crack as the tail was exposed. Kohli handed the ball to spinner Ravi Ashwin, where as he had fresh legs to do the job in the pacer department.

Did Virat Kohli missed a trick or two?

“After getting Tim Southee’s wicket, India let off New Zealand, at one stage it seemed they would not get even 100 runs lead but the partnership between Jamieson and Colin de Grandhomme got them to 183 runs lead. India will be ruing the fact – they were very defensive, tactics used by Virat Kohli were not right, especially when the second new ball was in operation.,” Laxman told the host broadcasters at the Tea interval.

Laxman went on to question Kohli’s tactics with the field placements. He feels the goof ups might cost India dear when it comes to the fate of the game. However, one positive would be the performance of senior pacer Ishant Sharma, who bagged a five-for.

“I feel that the field settings by Virat Kohli ws not right for the situation, especially with the new ball. Because when you are playing in overseas conditions, new ball has a massive impact. In four overs he brought on Ravichandran Ashwin, I mean you have 3 quality fast bowlers you expect them to bowl at the tail. Virat Kohli missed a trick and this can cost India the Test match,” he went on to add.