Virat Kohli Obsessing Over Attacking Left-Arm Spin at Wankhede Practices Ahead of Final NZ Test: Report

Last Updated:October 31, 2024, 09:32 IST

Kohli has struggled to put up a strong showing in the IND-NZ series so far, having fallen victim to unorthodox shot selections to the likes of NZ spinner Mitchell Santner.

Virat Kohli (Image: Sportzpics)

Greatness requires obsession, the obsession to always get better.

Virat Kohli exemplifies the same, as reports suggest that the veteran talisman batter has been fixated on working on his plan of attack for the NZ spinners ahead of the final Test, given the batter being dismissed thrice by a spinner in the series.

Kohli has struggled to put up a strong showing in the IND-NZ series so far, having fallen victim to unorthodox shot selections to the likes of NZ spinner Mitchell Santner.

With history and a potential spot in the WTC Final on the line, and also as NZ nears a possible whitewash of India, the time is now for Kohli and co. to step their game up and take back what’s theirs.

The Indian team held a full-fledged practice session at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, which will host the third and final Test match of the series, and spin has been the main focus for Kohli.

According to reports from The Indian Express, Kohli has taken a special focus on tackling left-arm spin at practice, having reeled in the net bowlers excessively in order to work out the kinks, playing a variety of shots whilst maintaining the off-stump line.

It is also stated that Kohli also indulged in attacking the spin, taking the aggressive route by going down the crease to wallop the bowlers’ deliveries at will, before finally calling in Jadeja and Kuldeep to bowl at him as well.

India now has one last opportunity to save themselves from a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand.

Gautam Gambhir’s men faced a lot of scrutiny after losing back-to-back Tests against New Zealand. It was India’s first red-ball cricket series defeat at home in 12 years. They last lost to England in 2012. The third Test of their ongoing series will now be crucial for India, who are yet to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. A victory against the Kiwis will bring them closer to making a third successive final at the ICC event. It will also help the side warm themselves up for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.