“Virat knows exactly what’s going to be planned” – Sanjay Manjrekar on Australia’s strategy for Virat Kohli in 2024-25 BGT

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar wants Virat Kohli to be ready for Australian bowlers’ plans in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy. Manjrekar said the Australian fast bowlers will target Kohli around the sixth stump line, which has been Kohli’s kryptonite in the past.

Kohli hasn’t been in the best of forms in the recent past and he will look to turn a corner against the Aussies.

The talisman could only score 93 runs in three Test matches at an average of 15.50 whereas he scored only 99 runs in two Test matches against Bangladesh at an average of 33. 

However, Kohli has scored 2042 runs in 25 Test matches against Australia at an average of 47.48, including eight centuries. Kohli has even better numbers while playing in Australia as he has scored 1352 runs in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 54.08, including six centuries.

Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports, “Virat knows exactly what’s going to be planned. They’ll obviously start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mood is. Generally these days he looks to leave balls outside the off-stump and if they have anything that’s pitched right up, he’ll look to drive.”

The cricket analyst reckons the bowlers are also trying to cramp Kohli for room and they are targeting his body.

“Nowadays, they are also trying to cramp him for room and attack his body because he loves to get forward so much. So that is something New Zealand tried, which is very smart. And then if he is so focused outside off, that typical one of landing a ball on middle stump which Josh Hazlewood would try. So all those methods will be tried by the Australians and Virat Kohli is aware of that,” said Manjrekar.

Kohli is going to hold the key for the Indian team in the upcoming five-match series and his form will be crucial for the visitors. The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.