“This means that he is not in practice” – Basit Ali on Virat Kohli’s back-to-back LBW dismissals in IND vs SL ODI series

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has opened up on Virat Kohli’s back-to-back LBW dismissals in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka. Kohli has got off to starts in both matches, scoring 24 and 14 but he hasn’t been able to able to convert them into substantial scores as he was plumbed in front of the wickets.

Kohli was trapped in front of the wickets by Wanindu Hasaranga in the series opener whereas Jeffrey Vandersay plumbed him in front of the wickets in the second game on Sunday.

Basit Ali said on his YouTube Channel, “A great batsman like Virat Kohli, the world’s number one batsman, has been out LBW twice. It’s understandable if it happens to Iyer or Dube, but Virat Kohli is Virat Kohli. This means that he is not in practice.”

Meanwhile, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are also coming back to action after a long time and Basit feels the duo is also not in practice.

“It did not seem that this is the batting lineup which rules the world. I feel that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul probably haven’t even practiced. These people have come without practice.”

Ali questioned Shreyas Iyer’s performance and feels the likes of Rishabh Pant, Riyan Parag, and Rinku Singh should get their deserved opportunities in the playing XI.

“I don’t understand what is Shreyas Iyer going to do with such performances. I think the time has come for Rishabh Pant, Riyan Parag, and Rinku Singh. India’s 50-over domestic tournament will be vital for Gautam Gambhir because he will have to take some players from there. If India pick players based on reputation, the results won’t be too good in the Champions Trophy.”

The third ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Wednesday.