Irfan Pathan criticizes Virat Kohli’s limited shot selection after SCG dismissal

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has criticized Virat Kohli’s shot selection following his dismissal in the first innings of the ongoing final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 

Kohli’s struggle against deliveries outside the off-stump has been a recurring issue, and Pathan’s comments have ignited conversations about Kohli’s approach. 

Kohli managed to survive a controversial catch during the initial phase of his innings but fell prey to the same weakness that has troubled him over a couple of years. 

A delivery from Scott Boland tempted Kohli to poke the ball outside-off-stump and a resultant edge was safely pouched by the debutant Beau Webster at third slip, leaving Kohli visibly frustrated as he walked back to the pavilion. 

Irfan Pathan questions Virat Kohli’s approach

Pathan, who had previously defended Kohli, expressed his disappointment at the star batter’s inability to adapt. Comparing Kohli with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Pathan stated on-air,

"Virat Kohli only relies on limited shots like the front foot drive and cover drive on the offside. If you look at players like Sachin Tendulkar, he had a variety of shots like the cut shot, square cut, and uppercut."

The former all-rounder added that Kohli has the skills to play a wider range of shots but seldom utilizes them.

"It’s not that Virat doesn’t have these shots, but he neither uses them nor tries to use them," Pathan remarked. 

His comments have reignited discussions about Kohli's diminishing dominance, especially against quality pace bowling. 

Team India’s struggles continued after Kohli’s dismissal, with Rishabh Pant falling for 40 runs post-tea and Nitish Kumar Reddy departing for a golden duck. The top and middle-order failures have put immense pressure on the lower-order and tailenders. 

Pathan’s comments underscore the need for Kohli to adapt and expand his shot repertoire as India continues to face a stern challenge from a dominant Australian bowling attack. With the series on the line, the team needs their icon to rediscover his form.

In conclusion, Irfan Pathan's criticism of Virat Kohli's limited shot selection has sparked discussions about Kohli's approach and diminishing dominance against quality pace bowling. Pathan's comparison of Kohli with Sachin Tendulkar highlights the need for Kohli to adapt and expand his shot repertoire. With India's struggles continuing in the ongoing Test series against Australia, Kohli's performance remains crucial for the team's success.

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