Virat Kohli’s Mistake in Adelaide Test: Pujara Offers Key Advice
Virat Kohli’s first innings in the second Test vs. Australia was disappointing. The star Indian batter scored 7 runs before falling to Mitchell Starc. He repeated the same error he made in the series opener in Perth. Cheteshwar Pujara, in the commentary box, noted Kohli’s struggles. He suggested Kohli learn from the Australian batters’ calculated approach.
Kohli’s Dismissal: Repeating Past Mistakes
In favorable batting conditions, Kohli looked uncomfortable at the crease. He tried an aggressive shot early in his innings. He misjudged a rising ball from Mitchell Starc. Instead of leaving the ball, the Indian batter hesitated, and the pink ball caught the edge of his bat. Steve Smith capitalized on the mistake, completing a simple catch.
Pujara said Kohli could have handled the situation better. He should have taken cues from Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne. They were selective in their shot-making.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Insights
Speaking on Star Sports, Pujara analyzed Kohli’s dismissal and offered constructive advice:
“I think Virat should learn from Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne, as the two left a lot of deliveries, which helped them to score runs. You can’t play a shot on every ball and Virat could have easily left the ball that took his wicket. He knows the pink ball comes faster than the red ball, and even the bounce is more. The two Aussie batters were smart to choose the scoring deliveries, and if anything was pitched up or was short, they left it,” Cheteshwar Pujara said on Star Sports
Pujara stressed the need for patience and discipline with the pink ball. It bounces and moves faster, so it behaves differently.
Australia Capitalizes on India’s Collapse
India struggled in the first innings, managing only 180 runs. Mitchell Starc was Australia’s best performer. He took 6 wickets and destroyed India’s batting order. At stumps, Australia was in a strong position at 86/1. Labuschagne continued his good form.
The Australian batters showed the value of shot selection. They left deliveries outside the off-stump and pounced on scoring chances. This approach was very different from India’s aggressive play. It cost them valuable wickets.
Kohli’s recent dismissals show a need to change his Test tactics. This is especially true in tough conditions. As India tries to recover in the second innings, Kohli must adapt and learn from his mistakes. It will be crucial.
India’s batsmen must be tougher to match Australia’s dominance in the pink-ball Test. For Kohli, this innings held lessons. They could help him regain his form and lead his team to a strong showing.
