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Will Virat Kohli Struggle Against Bangladesh's Left-Arm Spinners? Aakash Chopra Weighs In

Virat Kohli has struggled vs spinners in recent times (X)Virat Kohli has struggled vs spinners in recent times (X)

As India gears up for the much-anticipated Test series against Bangladesh, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli, the modern-day cricketing giant who finds himself in the midst of one of the most challenging phases of his career. The two-match series, set to kick off in Chennai, has gained significant importance for Kohli as he looks to regain his touch in Test cricket.

Adding to this is the spin-friendly nature of the Chennai pitch and the threat posed by Bangladesh’s potent spin duo of Taijul Islam and Shakib Al Hasan.

Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra weighed in on Kohli’s challenge, providing his expert analysis on how the star batter might fare against the spinning ball.

Aakash Chopra analyzes Bangladesh spin threat for Kohli

Speaking to CREX, Asia’s No.1 Cricket App, Chopra shed light on Kohli's struggle with left-arm spin in the past and what it will take for him to overcome that hurdle this time around. He said:

“Chennai’s surface is known for its spin-friendly conditions, and the heat only intensifies the challenge for the pacers,” Chopra began stating what Kohli is likely to encounter. “Bangladesh will be well aware of Kohli’s past struggles against left-arm spin, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they employ both Taijul Islam and Shakib Al Hasan in tandem from either end.”

Chopra pointed out that Kohli has historically had a tough time against left-arm spin, a weakness Bangladesh will look to exploit. He stated:

“In the last series against Bangladesh, Taijul had Kohli’s number, and he’ll surely be licking his lips at the prospect of bowling to him again.”

However, Chopra was quick to acknowledge Virat Kohli’s unmatched ability to adapt and conquer challenges. He mentioned:

“What plays into Kohli’s hands is his status as a modern master. He knows how to score runs, even when the going gets tough. The key will be his footwork—if he reads the length well, plays the full deliveries ahead of his body, and stands tall on the back foot to counter the shorter ones, he can certainly manage the left-arm threat.”


The Long Layoff Factor

Despite his faith in Kohli’s ability, Chopra didn’t shy away from highlighting the challenges that come with a long layoff from Test cricket. He said:

“What goes against him is the fact that he hasn’t played Test cricket for a while,” Chopra noted. “He didn’t play Duleep Trophy. His last outing in Sri Lanka wasn’t up to his usual standards, and that could be a mental block heading into this series.”

Kohli’s form in 2024 has been far from his usual prolific self, with just one half-century across 15 innings in international cricket this year. While he did shine in the T20 World Cup final with a crucial 76, his lean patch in Tests is something that both fans and critics are keeping a close eye on.

Can Kohli Find His Groove Again?

Chopra, though, believes that if anyone can bounce back from adversity, it’s Virat Kohli. He added:

“If there’s one thing we know about Kohli, it’s that he thrives under pressure. After the T20 World Cup, he’ll be eager to score some runs. Bangladesh won’t make it easy, but if Kohli sticks to his strengths, we could see him back at his best.”

With Kohli’s Test future seemingly at a crossroads, the upcoming Bangladesh series will be extremely important for him.