Preparations are in full swing in Chepauk as hosts India gear up for the two-Test series against Bangladesh commencing on September 19. Virat Kohli has been fine-tuning his technique and playing aerial shots with former teammate and current head coach Gautam Gambhir watching closely. A few days ahead of the first Test, Kohli hit a six in the nets and the ball ended up breaking the temporary wall near the dressing room at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Kohli can be seen dancing down the track against the spinners in a video posted by JioCinema. He played a cut shot, few drives and a lofted shot against a pacer on the up. The video of Kohli’s shot damaging the wall has been making rounds on social media.
Later, Kohli had a discussion with Gambhir. The former Indian cricketer explained a few things as Kohli listened intently.
Kohli vs spinners – a battle to watch out for
The former India captain has been troubled by spinners of late. In the ODI series against Sri Lanka, he could not convert starts into big scores. He was dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage. Bangladesh have variety in their spin attack as well featuring experienced Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taijul Islam. Nayeem Hasan is another spinner Bangladesh may unleash.
Kohli chasing a milestone
The 35-year-old needs 58 more runs to complete 27,000 runs in international cricket. He can break Sachin Tendulkar's record to become fastest to achieve the feat. Tendulkar has 24,357 runs followed by Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs) and Ricky Ponting (27,843 runs).
In addition, he needs 152 runs to complete 9,000 runs in the format. He will become the fourth Indian batter after Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Rahul Dravid (13,265 runs) and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122 runs) to achieve the feat.
Kohli's record against Bangladesh
He has scored 437 runs from nine innings at an average of 54.62 including two centuries. One of his double centuries came against Bangladesh. While he has struggled on Bangladesh soil in the format, in home conditions the visitors have found it hard to combat him.
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