'If Virat Kohli focused on balls outside off stump...': Sanjay Manjrekar

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Nov 19, 2024, 02:19 IST

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Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes Virat Kohli will face familiar challenges in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Speaking on Star Sports, Manjrekar suggested Australian bowlers will likely target Kohli outside off-stump and attack his body, similar to tactics employed by New Zealand.

'If Virat Kohli focused on balls outside off stump...': Sanjay Manjrekar

(AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar discussed Virat Kohli's potential challenges in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, starting November 22nd.
Manjrekar, now a cricket analyst, shared his thoughts on Star Sports, focusing on how Australian bowlers might approach Kohli's batting.
Manjrekar believes Kohli is well aware of the tactics Australian bowlers might use against him during the series.
"I think Virat knows exactly what's going to be planned. They'll start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mindset is. These days, he often leaves balls outside off and looks to drive anything pitched up. Australia might also try to cramp him for room and attack his body since he likes to get forward. This was a tactic New Zealand used effectively."

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Manjrekar suggests Australian bowlers could target a line on the middle stump if Kohli focuses on balls outside off stump. He draws a comparison to Vernon Philander's effective bowling strategy.
"If he's focused on balls outside off stump, bowlers like Josh Hazlewood might target that typical Vernon Philander line on middle stump. Australia will test various strategies, and Virat Kohli is fully aware of that," Manjrekar added.

Kohli's performance will undoubtedly be crucial for India's success in the series. The upcoming series promises a fascinating strategic battle between Kohli and the Australian bowlers.
The first Test begins in Perth on November 22nd.
The second Test, a day-night match, is scheduled for December 6th to 10th at the Adelaide Oval.
The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14th to 18th.
The traditional Boxing Day Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26th to 30th.
The series concludes with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3rd to 7th.

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TOI Sports Desk

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