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regular-article-logo Sunday, 05 May 2024

Sunil Gavaskar gives batting advice to Virat Kohli, says no harm in playing and missing

The veteran pointed out what's getting the Indian captain into trouble in the ongoing tour in England

Our Bureau Published 29.08.21, 01:48 PM
Virat Kohli.

Virat Kohli. File Photo.

Nothing better than getting a piece of advice from Sunil Gavaskar when your bat is not doing the talking.

Speaking on Sony Sports, the legendary batsman pointed out what's getting Virat Kohli into trouble in the ongoing series in England. "See how far from the body the bat is, that's what's getting him into trouble. He (Virat Kohli) is reaching out. So it's hard hands stuff that is getting into trouble. I don't think standing outside the crease is a worry. If you play closer to your body, you play and miss it. There is no harm in playing and missing it," he said.

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After India's collapse at Headingley, Kohli said the team crumbled in the face of relentless pressure created by the England bowlers. India lost the Leeds Test by an innings and 76 runs as England levelled the five-match series 1-1.

Kohli admitted after being all out for 78, they were always playing a catch-up game.

"Basically down to scoreboard pressure... Always up against it when you get out for under 80, and the opposition puts up such a big score. But we did well to stay in the game yesterday, fight back as much as we could, and gave ourselves a chance. But the pressure today was outstanding from the England bowlers and eventually they got the results they wanted," the Indian captain said during the post-match presentation.

The India captain said the batting collapse they suffered in the first innings was "quite bizarre" after their stupendous show in the Lord's Test.

"It can happen in this country, batting collapses. We thought the pitch was good to bat on, coming on nicely. But the discipline forced mistakes and the pressure was relentless. Difficult to cope when you're not scoring runs. That caused the batting order to crumble," he said. Asked if, in hindsight, he would say that the decision to bat was a mistake, Kohli disagreed.

"No, pitch looked good to bat on, when England batted it was a different ball game because we weren't as good with the ball. The result is a reflection of how the teams played in this game, we expected them to bounce back."

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