Fri Feb 21 12:22:02 UTC 2025: ## Kohli’s Struggles Cast Shadow Over India’s Champions Trophy Win
**Dubai, UAE** – Virat Kohli’s poor form continued in India’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh, raising concerns ahead of their crucial match against Pakistan. Despite India securing a six-wicket victory, Kohli managed only 22 runs off 38 balls before being dismissed by Rishad Hossain.
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa attributed Kohli’s struggles to a mental block rather than a purely technical issue. Speaking to Star Sports, Uthappa suggested Kohli is overly focused on perfectly timing the ball instead of prioritizing run-scoring, hindering his natural batting flow. Uthappa noted Kohli’s tentative approach, highlighted by nine consecutive dot balls before scoring his first run.
Uthappa also pointed to a potential technical flaw, observing a shift in Kohli’s bat position at the point of contact, potentially impacting his signature cover drive. He suggested a slight adjustment could significantly improve Kohli’s performance.
Kohli’s recent form has been a cause for concern, with only one fifty in his last seven ODIs, totaling a mere 137 runs. His performance in the upcoming match against Pakistan on Sunday will be crucial for India’s tournament hopes. The team will be relying on their star batsman to rediscover his form and deliver a strong performance.
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