Fri Feb 21 10:17:46 UTC 2025: ## Kohli’s Spin Struggle: Harbhajan Urges Freedom in Champions Trophy

**Dubai, UAE:** Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has called on Virat Kohli to adopt a more aggressive approach against spin bowling after the star batsman struggled in India’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh. Kohli, dismissed for 22 off 38 balls, faced 10 dot balls against spin before falling to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.

Singh, a World Cup-winning spinner himself, told India Today that Kohli’s issue is primarily mental rather than technical. He observed that Kohli’s inability to rotate the strike against spin is a recurring problem, citing similar difficulties against Adil Rashid in recent ODI series against England and against Sri Lankan spinners last year.

“He needs to come up with a plan against leggies. He needs to find a way to convert those dot balls into singles,” Singh stated. He emphasized that Kohli’s struggles stem from a lack of freedom and urged him to “back himself and play like Virat Kohli.” Singh highlighted Kohli’s past success employing lofted shots and sweeps, suggesting a return to this attacking style.

Kohli’s slow innings against Bangladesh raised concerns ahead of India’s crucial match against Pakistan on Sunday. With the possibility of facing three quality spinners in a potential semi-final against Afghanistan, Singh stressed the urgency for Kohli to address his struggles against spin bowling. “It’s time to work on it. He needs to start backing himself,” Singh concluded. India will be hoping Kohli rediscovers his form in time for the high-stakes clash with their arch-rivals.

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