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"Knows to play in one way": Ex-coach reveals if Virat Kohli can bounce back in 2nd ODI vs AUS

Debashis Sarangi

Virat Kohli fell for a duck in 1st IND vs AUS ODI [Source: AFP]Virat Kohli fell for a duck in 1st IND vs AUS ODI [Source: AFP]

India's former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar believes Virat Kohli's tendency to play cricket with passion and aggression will help him succeed in the second ODI against Australia at Adelaide Oval. Kohli had a forgettable start to the Australia tour, being dismissed for a duck in the first ODI at Perth Stadium. Coming at number three, following Rohit Sharma's dismissal, Kohli couldn't open his account, with Mitchell Starc trapping him with a full-length delivery outside the off stump. 

Abhishek Nayar explains how Virat Kohli can turn things around

Abhishek Nayar believes Virat Kohli can definitely bounce back and resolve his woes against the deliveries pitched outside the off stump. This particular kind of delivery has troubled Virat Kohli throughout his career, but Nayar feels Kohli must believe in himself and adopt the only method that has led to his stellar success: playing the game with passion and aggression. 

Ahead of India's second ODI against Australia, Nayar, from his personal experience of interacting with Kohli, reckoned that he would certainly go back to the drawing board and focus on the process rather than thinking too much about the outcome. 

“Whatever time I have spent with him, he knows how to play in one way only, with passion and aggression. He will back himself. There will be a lot of discussions about him playing deliveries outside the off-stump. He will go back and visualise. He will meditate and come into his zone. He will try to get back the thought process of the old vintage Virat Kohli. He will try to get that mindset. He will try to play with freedom. The result is not in your hands. He will pay attention to the process. Whatever he has been known for, he will try to bring that Virat to the ground,” Abhishek Nayar said on Star Sports. 

Nayar thinks a good start from Gill and Rohit can help Kohli

Abhishek Nayar also thinks that the Australian bowlers will definitely try to expose Kohli's vulnerability outside the off stump. However, a good start by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will undoubtedly unsettle the Australian seamers and provide Kohli a solid platform to take his time and get into rhythm. 

“Whomever you ask, they will say that when Virat comes, the attempt will be to bowl back of the length outside off-stump, with short balls in between. Virat and the opposition know that. It’s about execution and handling pressure. It’s about the start you get. If Virat comes to bat after Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have scored 70 runs in the first 10 overs, the case is different. If he comes at the start, the case is different,” Nayar added. 

Virat Kohli's love affair with Adelaide to help him regain his mojo?

Virat Kohli has been a prolific performer at Adelaide Oval, amassing 244 runs at an excellent average of 61 and a strike rate of 83.85. Also, given the fact that the pitch at Adelaide Oval will be more batting-friendly than that at Perth Stadium, Virat Kohli has a definite chance to play a significant knock for India in the all-important clash.