IND vs ENG: Former Selector Saba Karim Identifies A Significant Flaw In Virat Kohli's Batting Approach

Saba Karim was questioned about the way the 33-year-old batter was dismissed as protests about his removal from the shortest format grew. He claimed that to go over this stage, he needs to be a little more focused and have more willpower.

Virat Kohli’s lean patch has triggered heated debate, with many former players, including the legendary Kapil Dev, questioning his place in the Twenty20 squad.

The star Indian batter, who has not scored a century in nearly three years, was dismissed for 16 in the second One-Day International against England on Thursday.
“I believe he needs a little more mental focus and willpower to get through this phase.” Virat Kohli has told this story numerous times. That is why we have been saying how wonderful he looks, how good he is in form, but the search for the big score continues,” said the former India selector Saba Karim on Sony Sports.

“Kohli’s trademark has always been allowing the ball to come close to his body before playing his shots. But the way he is been getting out, and how he got out today as well, the ball was too far outside the off-stump and he tried to flirt with it, which resulted in him getting out again,” Saba Karim explained.

‘I am seeing a pattern in Virat Kohli’s dismissals’: Saba Karim

A pattern in Kohli’s dismissals was noted by the former stumper, who also discussed how the bowling attack is making it very difficult for the Indian. “In Virat Kohli’s firings and what comes before that, I am noticing a pattern. Are bowlers positioning him that way because we saw him play wonderful drives off the front foot during the Test matches?”

“Then they decrease the length a little and grab a wicket thereafter pitching it up to him initially to entice him to commit on the front foot. To resolve this, Virat Kohli must first comprehend the situation. If you are willing to adjust your strategy, you can go over this stage “Karim further said.

The final of the three-match ODI series between India and England is set to take place at Manchester’s Old Trafford.

Also Read: IND vs WI: Let’s Hope We See A Different Virat Kohli After The West Indies Series – Ashish Nehra