Cricket News Desk. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes a change in approach in the second innings of the first Test in Perth helped Virat Kohli break down the Australian bowling attack and return to form. Virat Kohli has not been able to perform as expected in all formats for some time now. He was seen struggling on wickets favorable to spinners, raising doubts about his place in the team.
Gavaskar spoke in support of Kohli
But in the second innings of the first Test match against Australia, Virat Kohli returned to form by scoring an unbeaten century. Before this, Virat Kohli had scored his last century against West Indies in July 2023. Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports, ‘When he came to bat in the second innings, he looked very comfortable. India had lost two wickets early in the first innings and were under pressure like everyone else.
change in perspective
Sunil Gavaskar said, ‘In the second innings, along with changing his attitude, he also established his feet well. I think adjusting to the little things helped him get to where he wanted to be. On the bouncy pitches of Australia, it becomes important for you to pay attention to such small things.
It is not easy to play this kind of shot
Sunil Gavaskar said, ‘I liked the four he hit on Josh Hazlewood at midwicket. It is not easy to play such shots. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden also said that Kohli benefited from the change in attitude.
Matthew Hayden’s big statement
Matthew Hayden said, ‘Players will have to change their attitude a bit even on the India tour. I did the same, but batting a little straighter here means that your head is in a better position to play the bouncing ball. You benefit by doing this.
comparison with roger federer
Sunil Gavaskar compared Kohli’s recent struggle to the times when tennis greats like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were unable to win titles. Sunil Gavaskar said, ‘While doing commentary, I had said that if champion players like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal lose in the semi-finals then people say that they are out of form. What a great performance it would be if someone else reaches the semi-finals.
‘Indian fans are greedy’
Sunil Gavaskar said, ‘The same thing applies to Virat Kohli also, because people always expect a century from him. Even if he scores 70 or 80 runs, people will say look, he can’t score runs. Indian fans are greedy. They are not happy with their star player scoring 70 or 80 runs.
