Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif highlighted Virat Kohli’s persistent vulnerability to deliveries outside the off stump, a pattern that opposition bowlers have exploited over time. Speaking about Kohli’s dismissals, Kaif noted that even bowlers with limited appearances, like Scott Boland, understand where to target the Indian batter.
“A bowler like Boland, who plays only two-three Tests a year, knows exactly where to bowl to Virat Kohli. Just pitch it outside the off stump, and Kohli will fiddle with it, nick it, and get caught behind. This is an open secret,” Kaif remarked in a video on his social media. He attributed Kohli’s struggles to his forward press, which often leaves him in a compromised position against good-length deliveries.
Kaif cited Kohli’s dismissals in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as examples. In Perth, an awkwardly bouncing delivery caught Kohli’s gloves, but his forward press limited his ability to evade the ball. However, in the second innings, Kohli adapted, scoring a masterful century by aligning with the ball’s line. Yet, in Adelaide’s day-night Test, Kohli fell twice to deliveries outside the off stump, with Boland exploiting the corridor of uncertainty.
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Kaif criticized the Indian team’s approach, questioning why their bowlers couldn’t target Australian batter Travis Head’s off-stump weakness as effectively. “If Boland knows how to trap Kohli, why can’t we do the same for Travis Head? You need proper planning and consistent execution,” he added.
Kaif urged the Indian team to focus on strategy and planning to regain momentum in the series. “The Indian team is strong. When we go to the Gabba, we can make a comeback,” he concluded.Even Part-Time Bowlers Know How to Dismiss Kohli’: India Legend Stirs Debate Ahead of Gabba Test”
