Reports: Virat Kohli focuses on tackling left-arm spin in practice session ahead of Mumbai Test

Virat Kohli’s struggle agaisnt spin has continued and the batter is falling prey to left-arm spin particularly recently. He was dismissed by off-spinner, Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the series against Bangladesh and New Zealand off-spinner, Glenn Phillips picked his wicket in the first Test in Bengaluru. The Pune Test brought further damage to the star batters fight against spin.

In the Pune Test, he was dismissed by the left-arm spinner, Mitchell Santner in both innings. While he was cleaned up in the first innings, Santner dismissed him LBW in the second innings. As the batter is grappling with spin and to come among runs, ahead of the third Test in Mumbai, the 35-year-old was seen practicing against left-arm spin obsessively in a bid to overcome the uncharacteristic hurdle he has found himself embroiled in.

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According to reports from The Indian Express, Kohli was seen attacking the spinners in the net sessions at the Wankhede. He was seen dancing down the track and launching the ball with the spin and against the spin. He also summoned Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav to bowl at him while straying away from opting a defensive approach.

India's WTC finals dream under threat 

The upcoming game will be an important one after losing the series 2-0, India’s first series at home in 12 years. They were last whitewashed in 2000 by South Africa and India would like to avoid that by winning the Mumbai Test.

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Speaking of the third Test, India are in a must-win situation after losing the first two games to reach the World Test Championship 2025 finals. They have five Tests against Australia Down Under as part of Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India have found themselves in a situation where they have to win at least four of the remaining six Tests to reach the WTC final for the third consecutive time. 

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