‘Don’t remember the last time it happened’ – Aakash Chopra evaluates Virat Kohli’s spin conundrum against Sri Lanka

Virat Kohli LBW. (Photo Source: Sony Liv)

Star India batter Virat Kohli scored 24, 14, and 20 runs respectively in three ODIs of the recently concluded series against Sri Lanka and interestingly, a spinner got the better of him in all the matches. Known as a very good player of spin, Kohli misread the line and length against them, as former India cricketer Aakash Chopra pointed out. He was out lbw in all the matches, and a review was taken each time on the ball of his dismissal.

In the first match of the ODI series, Wanindu Hasaranga got the better of him, while Jeffrey Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage picked up his wicket in the second and third matches respectively. Notably, Kohil’s struggle against spin is not new. In the last couple of years, he has struggled heavily against wrist spinners, and the trend continued in the Sri Lanka series.

Also Read: How wrist spin is affecting Virat Kohli’s batting performance?

“Virat Kohli lbw three times in three innings against spinners. I don’t remember the last time it happened. He was playing the wrong line and also used up reviews each time. He wasn’t quite able to impose himself in the series,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

The cricketer-turned-commentator also talked about Shreyas Iyer, who has struggled in the series as well. The Mumbai-born cricketer made his first appearance since being removed from BCCI’s central contract, but failed to make a mark in the three-match series. He had a perfect opportunity to do well and seal his spot in the team for the Champions Trophy 2025, but Iyer scored only 38 runs in the series. Speaking about that, Chopra stated that he is not sure why good players of spin are struggling.

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“Shreyas Iyer is considered a good player of spin, but even he was unable to counter the spinners twice and got dismissed to pace once. If our good players of spin have such performances, not sure why is it happening,” he added.

The opening game of the series finished on level terms, while the visitors lost the second and third one by 32 and 110 runs, respectively. With that, the Charith Asalanka-led side made history as Sri Lanka secured an ODI series victory over India in 27 years.