Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary former Indian cricketer and commentator, has expressed serious concerns over the recurring dismissals of Virat Kohli, particularly emphasizing the technical flaws evident during his attempts to combat spin bowling. Kohli, who has been experiencing a slump since the last ODI World Cup, was dismissed for just 22 runs against Bangladesh during the opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
During this match, Kohli found himself caught at backward point after attempting to cut wrist-spinner Rishad Hossain's delivery, marking the sixth consecutive time he has fallen to spin bowlers in ODIs. His previous struggle against spinners was highlighted during the home series against England where he faced similar challenges against leg-spinner Adil Rashid.
Gavaskar pointed out the crux of Kohli's issue lies with his batting technique: “It is to a great extent due to the fact the bat face opens up, the same thing happens when he’s playing against the quicks in Australia,” he explained to India Today. This inconsistency has been troubling for both Gavaskar and Kohli's fans, as the batter continues to face the same fate when confronted with spin.
“The bat face is opening up, it’s a front foot play to the covers, opening up the bat face, and this gets him in trouble. So, this is something he needs to sort out,” Gavaskar continued. His observations suggest Kohli must adapt quickly to avoid falling prey to the same mistakes repeatedly.
Interestingly, Kohli’s dismissal against Rishad was not just another statistic but rather symptomatic of his struggle. Just before the wicket, he had stretched forward, attempting to play another shot, but as is increasingly becoming his habit, he opened the bat face. “A couple of times before he got out, he reached for Rishad, the ball turned, the bat face opened, and luckily, there was no nick,” Gavaskar detailed, highlighting the tight rope Kohli walks each time he faces quality spin.
Kohli’s recent form has caused considerable alarm among fans and analysts alike. Following his impressive tally of 765 runs during the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has significantly faltered this year, managing only 137 runs across six ODIs, averaging just 22.83 and securing only one fifty. This dismal spell stands starkly against his historical achievements and capabilities, leading many to wonder what has shifted for the once-dominant batter.
Gavaskar's concern escalates when one considers Kohli’s broader career path. The experienced batter has amassed only 440 runs across 11 Test matches played since 2024. Such numbers are atypical for one of India’s finest batsmen, generating debates on whether he needs to overhaul his technique or if adjustments to his match psychology might be more beneficial.
The urgency of the situation intensifies as India prepares to face arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23, 2025. This high-pressure encounter brings with it the weight of expectations, not just for Kohli but the entire team. Gavaskar notes, “If you’re getting out to the same kind of bowling, then you know, there is a bit of concern.” It’s clear Kohli’s ability to address these challenges will significantly dictate how the Indian squad performs during the tournament.
Gavaskar highlighted Kohli's need for immediate improvement, as the former captain will not only be battling personal inadequacies but also combating the scrutiny and dreams of millions. Kohli has reportedly dedicated time to addressing these issues, preparing diligently by facing various spin types during training.
The stakes are high as India heads toward their matchup with Pakistan. The cricketing community is brimming with excitement, but the focal point will undoubtedly be Kohli's performance. Fans hope to see him flourish and counter the technical flaws noted by Gavaskar, and find his way back to form, particularly with the looming pressures from such notable foes.
Sunil Gavaskar’s insight might just be the wake-up call Kohli needs, leading many to ponder: will he rise to the occasion and silence his critics, or will the fears shared by Gavaskar translate to another disappointing outing? All eyes will be on Kohli as he attempts to rectify his game and deliver when it matters the most.