The legendary Sunil Gavaskar recommended that Virat Kohli watch Sachin Tendulkar’s memorable innings in Sydney from 2004 to address his challenges with the line outside off-stump during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gavaskar recommended that Kohli should refrain from chasing balls outside the off-stump to disrupt the trend of dismissals that have affected his performance and reputation during the five-Test series in Australia.
On Monday, December 16, Kohli was out for only 3 runs during the first innings of the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Kohli seemed focused on maintaining discipline at the beginning of his innings on a cloudy morning. Nonetheless, he was tempted into attempting a wide ball from Josh Hazlewood, leading to a thick edge comfortably caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Australia has consistently caught Kohli out with balls pitched outside the off-stump throughout the series, taking advantage of his habit of chasing deliveries away from his body.
In discussions with the broadcasters, Gavaskar urged Kohli to analyze how Tendulkar chose to remove the cover drive from his repertoire during the Sydney Test in 2004, which aided him in addressing a comparable issue.
“Indeed, I believe practice varies, yet what occurs in between is not the same.” The perspective is entirely dissimilar. In reality, if you make a poor shot, you might manage to avoid the consequences. “But during the game, if you’re out, you’re out,” Gavaskar stated.
“I believe Kohli could consider what Sachin Tendulkar accomplished back in 2004.” In the initial three Test matches, he was dismissed attempting to play for the line outside the off-stump. He was dismissed at slips, short gully. Upon arriving in Sydney, he resolved that he would not engage in any activities within the cover area. He only played shots between the bowler’s follow-through and to the right of the mid-off fielder, with all other shots on the opposite side. That’s the determination. He seldom executed a cover drive; I believe he only attempted one after reaching 200-220. “That’s the sort of mental control you ought to possess,” Gavaskar remarked.
