Abhishek Nayar shared his experience working with Virat Kohli during his time with Team India as their assistant coach. Nayar has shared an analysis of Kohli's batting mindset, specifically following the batting superstar's disappointing outing in the first ODI against Australia. Kohli's much-anticipated ODI return after an eight-month hiatus ended disastrously at Perth's Optus Stadium, where he was dismissed for an eight-ball duck. The dismissal was disappointingly familiar, as Kohli was caught behind the wicket after edging a drive outside the off-stump, a weakness that has troubled him in the past.
Virat Kohli plays with passion and aggression: Abhishek Nayar
While some allowance might be made given this was Kohli's first competitive match since the IPL final, the manner of his dismissal to Mitchell Starc remains a big concern. Shubman Gill-led Team India now faces a high-stakes do-or-die encounter at the Adelaide Oval, placing pressure on the legendary batter to deliver a strong performance and help his team get back into the series. Despite the poor start, Kohli received vocal support from Nayar. Speaking on Star Sports, Nayar reflected on his time working with Kohli and backed him to 'come into his zone' and find his form in his favourite format.
“Whatever time I have spent with him, he knows how to play in one way only, with passion and aggression. He will back himself,” said Nayar.
You don’t prepare for failure but for success: Nayar on Kohli
Nayar also acknowledged the ongoing issue concerning his off-stump weakness. However, he remains resolute, stating that he intends to fight through this particular challenge. He views the shot associated with this area as one with a high-risk, high-reward nature, suggesting that the potential for scoring justifies the inherent danger of getting out.
“There will be a lot of discussions about him playing deliveries outside the off-stump. He will go back and visualise. He will meditate and come into his zone. I always believe that you don’t prepare for failure but for success. Whomever you ask, they will say that when Virat comes, the attempt will be to bowl back of the length outside off-stump, with short balls in between. Virat and the opposition know that,” Nayar added.
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"If Virat comes to bat after Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have scored 70 runs in the first 10 overs, the case is different. If he comes at the start, the case is different. It's about execution and handling pressure,” Nayar concluded.