Ahead of the Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan, Indian cricket star Virat Kohli arrived at the ICC Academy two hours early to address his struggles against spin bowling. Recently dismissed by spinners in consecutive ODIs, including Rishad Hossain and Adil Rashid, Kohli is seeking to improve before facing spinners like Abrar Ahmed. Despite Pakistan’s pace threats, Kohli’s determination and strong work ethic were evident in his early practice, as he faced primarily spinners. India enjoys a win over Bangladesh, while Pakistan must win to stay competitive. The pitch is expected to favor spinners, with India fielding a robust spin attack.
Indian cricket sensation Virat Kohli was all business a day prior to the highly anticipated match against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, arriving at the ICC Academy two hours ahead of the scheduled practice to address his challenges against spin bowling. Kohli, who faced difficulties with deliveries outside off-stump from pacers during the recent Test tour of Australia, has shown susceptibility to spin in the ODIs he has participated in. The 36-year-old fell victim to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain in India’s opening Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh on Thursday, marking his sixth consecutive dismissal against spinners in ODIs.
He was dismissed at backward point while attempting to cut Hossain. In the preceding home series against England, leg-spinner Adil Rashid had also outsmarted Kohli.
As India prepares to face Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, the former India captain will need to contend with bowlers such as Abrar Ahmed.
Regardless of his current form, Kohli’s dedication to the sport is unquestionable, and his outstanding work ethic was evident as he arrived for training well ahead of his teammates, who also reported an hour earlier than planned.
Notably, the majority of the net bowlers he practiced with were spinners, including several leg-break bowlers, in addition to multiple off-spinners and a left-arm spinner.
Pakistan’s bowling repertoire includes part-time left-arm spinner Khushdil Shah, alongside off-spinner Salman Agha.
While showing respect to the opposition, Indian batsmen are likely to feel confident taking on the Pakistan spin attack. Their primary challenge will arise from the pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, who are all under pressure following a lackluster opening match against New Zealand.
As India sits comfortably after their win over Bangladesh, Pakistan finds itself in a must-win scenario.
The pitch is anticipated to play on the slower side, providing an advantage to India’s array of spinners.
India’s squad includes five spinners, featuring specialists Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, while all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar also contribute with spin bowling.
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