Virat Kohli and Basit Ali. (Source – Twitter/X)
Star Indian batter Virat Kohli is currently facing unexpected challenges against spin bowling in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka. Kohli having recently retired from T20Is, returned to the Indian team for the ODI series against the island nation under new head coach Gautam Gambhir.
However, his performances in the first two matches have been below par, with scores of 24 and 14 on spin-friendly tracks. Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed his surprise at the 35-year-old’s struggles.
“A great batsman like Virat Kohli, the world’s number one batsman, has been out LBW twice. It’s understandable if it happens to Iyer or Dube, but Virat Kohli is Virat Kohli. This means that he is not in practice,” Basit said on his YouTube Channel.
Also read: R Sridhar on India T20I captaincy race
“It did not seem that this is the batting lineup which rules the world: Basit Ali
Kohli’s dismissals in both matches came via LBW, first to Wanindu Hasaranga and then to Jeffrey Vandersay. These dismissals have raised questions about the batter’s preparation and form against spin bowling. Ali also pointed out concerns about other key players in the Indian lineup.
“It did not seem that this is the batting lineup which rules the world. I feel that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul probably haven’t even practiced. These people have come without practice,” he added.
The former Pakistani cricketer didn’t hold back in his criticism of Shreyas Iyer either, suggesting it might be time for changes in the playing XI.
“I don’t understand what is Shreyas Iyer going to do with such performances. I think the time has come for Rishabh Pant, Riyan Parag, and Rinku Singh. India’s 50-over domestic tournament will be vital for Gautam Gambhir because he will have to take some players from there. If India pick players based on reputation, the results won’t be too good in the Champions Trophy,” he concluded.
Also read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s funny reaction to reimagined ‘Lagaan’ poster; video goes viral
The Men in Blue are trailing 0-1 in the series and have one last chance to level the series. Both sides will square off against each other on Wednesday, August 7 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.