Yograj Singh, the former Indian cricketer and father of Yuvraj Singh, has voiced his concerns regarding Virat Kohli's batting technique, particularly focusing on his struggles against deliveries outside the off-stump. Reflecting on India's 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Yograj pointed out that Kohli's consistent dismissals are a result of a technical flaw that needs immediate attention.
During the five-match series, Kohli only managed 190 runs, falling victim to deliveries outside the off-stump on eight occasions. These dismissals occurred while attempting his signature right-hand push shot. While this stroke has brought Kohli significant success on subcontinental pitches and in other conditions, Yograj believes it has become a liability on surfaces with extra bounce and carry, such as those encountered in Australia. He advised Kohli, “Virat, don’t play this shot. Just play straight or leave the ball.” Yograj’s critique suggests that Kohli needs to reevaluate his approach to such deliveries to improve his performance on bouncier wickets.
Yograj’s commentary also extends beyond Kohli and touches upon the broader Indian team dynamics. He emphasized the importance of man-management at the international level, which he believes is even more crucial than traditional coaching methods. According to Yograj, even the most gifted players occasionally encounter mental blocks, and it’s vital to provide them with proper guidance. He explained, “No matter how great a player is, they can't be bigger than the game itself. Someone needs to guide them, to say, 'Let's go to the nets and work on this.’”
This advice is not only relevant to Kohli but also to senior players like Rohit Sharma. Rohit’s recent struggles, which led him to opt-out of the Sydney Test after a series of disappointing performances, underline the need for tactical advice and reassurance. Yograj argued that when players are in a slump, they require emotional support and tactical guidance rather than criticism. He also acknowledged the importance of Gautam Gambhir’s role as head coach, crediting him for his tactical brilliance. However, Yograj stressed the necessity of nurturing younger players and creating an environment where they feel supported and motivated to perform at the highest level.
Yograj’s perspective on management extends to young talents as well. He highlighted the need for consistent mentoring, especially for players like Mohammed Siraj, who are in the early stages of their careers. According to Yograj, it is essential to provide young cricketers with the right guidance and training to help them succeed in international cricket.
India’s failure to secure a spot in the 2025 World Test Championship final has intensified the calls for introspection and reform. With Australia now set to face South Africa at Lord’s, there are mounting questions about India’s preparedness for the upcoming challenges. Yograj’s comments underscore the importance of addressing technical flaws and providing proper mental and tactical support to ensure that the Indian team remains competitive on the global stage.
