Brisbane – Former Indian captain and cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has urged Virat Kohli to take inspiration from Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic innings of 241 against Australia in Sydney in 2004. Gavaskar believes Kohli, who has been struggling with deliveries outside the off-stump, could benefit from adopting a similar approach to Tendulkar’s during that tour.
Kohli’s Recent Struggles Continue
On the rain-hit third day of the ongoing Test in Brisbane, Kohli fell cheaply once again, managing only three runs before edging a Josh Hazlewood delivery to the wicketkeeper. India ended the day in trouble at 51 for 4. Kohli’s scores on this tour—5, 100 not out, 7, 11, and 3—highlight his inconsistency, particularly against the Australian pace attack.
Tendulkar’s Masterclass in Restraint
Reflecting on Tendulkar’s unbeaten 241 during the 2003-04 series in Australia, Gavaskar emphasized the importance of restraint and adaptability. Tendulkar, who had been dismissed repeatedly while attempting cover drives earlier in the series, decided to completely avoid playing those shots in that innings. Over the course of more than 10 hours at the crease, he accumulated his runs primarily on the on-side, exhibiting exceptional patience and self-discipline.
“He only needs to look at his hero, Sachin Tendulkar,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports. “Sachin completely curbed his instinct to play through the covers, a region where he had been getting out, and instead focused on straight and on-side shots to craft that innings.”
Advice for Kohli: Patience and Adaptation
Gavaskar suggested that Kohli adopt a similar mindset and defend deliveries in the off-stump channel instead of attempting risky drives. “If the ball is outside off, he should think, ‘I’m going to defend it. I won’t try to score off it,’” Gavaskar explained.
Additionally, the former Indian skipper encouraged Kohli to trust his natural bottom-hand strength, which allows him to play effectively down the ground and toward midwicket. “With his incredible bottom-hand play, he can score straight or on the leg side and avoid falling into the trap of edging deliveries outside off,” Gavaskar said.
A Path to Rediscovery
As India faces an uphill battle in the Brisbane Test, Kohli’s ability to adapt and regain his form could prove pivotal not only for the team’s success but also for his own confidence. Gavaskar’s advice to emulate Tendulkar’s approach offers Kohli a potential blueprint to overcome his current challenges.
