Fri Nov 22 22:22:16 UTC 2024: ## Kohli’s Short-Ball Vulnerability Exposed in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

**Sydney, Australia** – Virat Kohli’s struggles in Test cricket continue, with his dismissal for just 5 runs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy highlighting a newly exposed weakness: vulnerability to short-pitched bowling. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar attributes this to Kohli’s recent focus on combating full, swinging deliveries outside off-stump.

To counter this type of ball, Kohli has adopted a stance outside the crease, favoring front-foot play. However, this adjustment has inadvertently left him susceptible to bouncers and shorter deliveries, as evidenced by his dismissal in the opening match against Australia. Josh Hazlewood, astutely observing this tactical shift, adjusted his bowling strategy, targeting Kohli with shorter lengths resulting in the easy catch.

This vulnerability was also apparent in India’s recent series against New Zealand, where Kohli fell victim to short balls. Manjrekar noted that Kohli’s proactive approach to neutralizing the full-length swing has, in effect, made him predictable and less adaptable to varying bowling lengths. The commentator suggested that Kohli’s strategy of focusing primarily on one type of delivery has created a significant weakness in his overall game. The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy serves as a stark reminder of this newly discovered flaw.

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