According to a familiar tale, Virat Kohli found himself struggling against the fourth or fifth stump line, a weakness that bowlers around the world have been targeting. The India great’s weakness against left-arm fast bowlers at the start of his innings was also exploited in India’s first warm-up match before the West Indies Tests.
Having reached the Caribbean islands quite early, the Indian cricketers had the perfect opportunity to engage in simulations like the match in Barbados. Split into two teams, the top-order batsmen including Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane faced frontline bowlers including Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammed Siraj, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
After good innings from Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the opening session, Kohli joined Shubman Gill in the post-lunch session. However, Kohli’s innings was cut short as he was dismissed early by Jaydev Unadkat.
Kohli looked in control initially, at ease against Ravindra Jadeja and Unadkat. He hit a brilliant flick shot off Unadkat. However, the left-arm pacer changed the angle and attacked from around the wicket, bringing down Kohli’s fall.
Unadkat held his line and lofted the ball around fourth stump and Kohli, unsure whether to go forward or back, pushed the ball forward without strong footwork. The resulting outside edge went into the hands of the second slip fielder, who took a comfortable catch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=live/4FKafk
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While Kohli has struggled in Test cricket in the last three years, he will be eager to make an impact in the upcoming Test against West Indies, starting July 12. His main concern is handling the ball outside the off-stump.
See also: Shubman Gill’s golden encounter with Sir Garfield Sobers in Barbados; What did Rahul Dravid do next, win hearts, see
In contrast, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal displayed excellent form, both scoring unbeaten fifties before retiring. Skipper Rohit and young Jaiswal looked in fine touch and remained completely calm during the first session. Shubman Gill, who usually opened with Rohit, took the field in the second session. In the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara, the battle for the No.3 spot is interesting, with Jaiswal looking to get an edge over Ruturaj Gaikwad, while Gill’s possible move to No.3 cannot be ruled out.
Among the bowlers, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Jaydev Unadkat bowled in long spells. Unadkat dismissed Rahane and Kohli, with Kohli showing better form during his second stint at the crease.
As the Test series draws closer, all eyes will be on Kohli’s ability to rectify his weaknesses and lead from the front. Meanwhile, Rohit and Yashasvi’s stellar performance in the warm-up match is a promising batting line-up for the upcoming Test, giving India a glimmer of hope for a breakthrough against the West Indies.
ALSO WATCH: Jonny Bairstow and fans smile as Victoria Police send unexpected ‘thank you’ in epic Twitter joke
According to a familiar tale, Virat Kohli found himself struggling against the fourth or fifth stump line, a weakness that bowlers around the world have been targeting. The India great’s weakness against left-arm fast bowlers at the start of his innings was also exploited in India’s first warm-up match before the West Indies Tests.
Having reached the Caribbean islands quite early, the Indian cricketers had the perfect opportunity to engage in simulations like the match in Barbados. Split into two teams, the top-order batsmen including Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane faced frontline bowlers including Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammed Siraj, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
After good innings from Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the opening session, Kohli joined Shubman Gill in the post-lunch session. However, Kohli’s innings was cut short as he was dismissed early by Jaydev Unadkat.
Kohli looked in control initially, at ease against Ravindra Jadeja and Unadkat. He hit a brilliant flick shot off Unadkat. However, the left-arm pacer changed the angle and attacked from around the wicket, bringing down Kohli’s fall.
Unadkat held his line and lofted the ball around fourth stump and Kohli, unsure whether to go forward or back, pushed the ball forward without strong footwork. The resulting outside edge went into the hands of the second slip fielder, who took a comfortable catch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=live/4FKafk
rxQ-Y?feature=share
While Kohli has struggled in Test cricket in the last three years, he will be eager to make an impact in the upcoming Test against West Indies, starting July 12. His main concern is handling the ball outside the off-stump.
See also: Shubman Gill’s golden encounter with Sir Garfield Sobers in Barbados; What did Rahul Dravid do next, win hearts, see
In contrast, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal displayed excellent form, both scoring unbeaten fifties before retiring. Skipper Rohit and young Jaiswal looked in fine touch and remained completely calm during the first session. Shubman Gill, who usually opened with Rohit, took the field in the second session. In the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara, the battle for the No.3 spot is interesting, with Jaiswal looking to get an edge over Ruturaj Gaikwad, while Gill’s possible move to No.3 cannot be ruled out.
Among the bowlers, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Jaydev Unadkat bowled in long spells. Unadkat dismissed Rahane and Kohli, with Kohli showing better form during his second stint at the crease.
As the Test series draws closer, all eyes will be on Kohli’s ability to rectify his weaknesses and lead from the front. Meanwhile, Rohit and Yashasvi’s stellar performance in the warm-up match is a promising batting line-up for the upcoming Test, giving India a glimmer of hope for a breakthrough against the West Indies.
ALSO WATCH: Jonny Bairstow and fans smile as Victoria Police send unexpected ‘thank you’ in epic Twitter joke











