Synopsis
Anil Kumble, former Indian captain, comments on Virat Kohli's struggle to find form in the Champions Trophy. After scoring 22 against Bangladesh, Kumble notes that Kohli is trying too hard and needs to relax for better performance.Key Takeaways
- Anil Kumble believes Virat Kohli is trying too hard.
- Kohli scored 22 off 38 against Bangladesh.
- He has struggled for form post-2023 World Cup.
- Kumble suggests Kohli should focus on relaxation.
- Upcoming match against Pakistan is crucial for Kohli.
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) Former India captain and head coach Anil Kumble believes that Virat Kohli is “putting in excessive effort” to break free from his recent slump after scoring 22 off 38 against Bangladesh during the Champions Trophy match in Dubai on Thursday.
Kohli was unable to convert his promising start into a substantial score, falling prey to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain. Nevertheless, opener Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 101, along with KL Rahul’s 41, led India to a six-wicket triumph.
Meanwhile, Kohli's recent form has raised concerns within the Indian squad, as he has accumulated only 137 runs in six ODI innings following the 2023 World Cup, with just one half-century. His difficulties were evident during India’s five-match Test series in Australia, except for a century achieved in Perth.
“After experiencing a lean phase, particularly in white-ball cricket, he hasn’t had that kind of run for a while now, and I feel he’s trying a bit too hard,” Kumble remarked on ESPNcricinfo Match Day.
“You see this in players who have been there and done that before; everyone looks up to him, expecting him to take control of the game as he is a key player in the team,” Kumble stated.
“When faced with such pressure and expectations, an athlete may start attributing undue significance to these factors, leading them to exert excessive effort to perform well. This can hinder their ability to relax and play freely.”
“The most successful innings he’s played have been during times when he wasn’t preoccupied with such pressures. The best bowling performances are achieved without overthinking,” he added.
Kumble emphasized that Kohli has been overly focused on scoring runs, as evidenced by his last six dismissals, all of which came against spin, with five falling to leg-spinners. He believes this stems from Kohli trying too hard instead of concentrating on rotating the strike.
“To effectively counter spin on such surfaces, one needs a great deal of confidence. He seems to be struggling to navigate that. When in form, he is adept at playing spin, focusing on singles and maintaining the strike rotation. Now, he appears to be pressing too hard for runs rather than maneuvering well—this has become part of his game plan,” Kumble noted.
“Every athlete faces tough periods in their careers, but it seems that Kohli is placing additional pressure on himself. He needs to find a way to relax and not worry excessively about the outcomes on the field, allowing him to play naturally and showcase his skills,” he concluded.
Kohli will aim to make a significant impact against arch-rivals Pakistan in their upcoming match on Sunday.
