Virat Kohli’s Weakness Exposed Again in BGT 2024-25, Says Mohammad Kaif
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has noted that Australia’s bowlers, including part-timers like Scott Boland, are exposing Virat Kohli’s weakness at off-stump in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kaif emphasized that Indian bowlers must adopt a similar strategic approach to counter Australia’s batting powerhouse, Travis Head.
Kohli’s struggles were clear in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval. He scored just 7 and 11 runs in two innings. His 42nd career dismissal, caught behind, has raised questions about his performance. This mode of dismissal now accounts for 21.4% of his career total.
Kaif on Kohli’s Dismissals and Boland’s Strategy
Kaif noted that Scott Boland, despite playing just two or three Tests a year, knew Kohli’s weak spots.
“Bowlers know about Virat Kohli’s weakness. Bowl outside the off stump and take his wicket. Scott Boland plays two or three Tests in a year but even he knows where Virat Kohli will mess up. He will edge the ball behind the stumps,” Virat Kohli said.
This issue has become a key point in talks about Kohli’s form and India’s performance in the series.
Indian Bowlers Need Better Plans for Travis Head
Kaif also criticized India’s bowling tactics. He urged them to use better plans against Travis Head, a top performer for Australia. Head scored a quick 140 off 141 balls in Adelaide. He then made a solid 89 in the second innings of the first Test in Perth.
“Why can’t Indian bowlers target Travis Head weakness with proper planning. Why can’t we target him with short balls? Every batters has a weakness and why can’t we plan properly against Travis Head?” he added.
Kapil Dev Backs Kohli to Bounce Back
Amid criticisms, legendary Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev has thrown his support behind Virat Kohli. Dev is hopeful. He thinks Kohli will find his form and help in the last three Tests of the series.
Kohli’s last impactful innings was in the series opener in Perth. He scored a second-innings century to help India win by 295 runs. However, he failed to replicate that success in Adelaide. It coincided with India’s 10-wicket loss. This leveled the series at 1-1.
What’s Next for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
As the series moves to its third Test in Brisbane, the Indian team must fix some issues. Kohli is vulnerable outside off-stump. They lack effective bowling plans against Travis Head. With three matches left, senior players like Kohli must lead India to success.
