01/01/2025
Virat Kohli Dismissal analysis and how to solve it.
Based Virat Kohli’s footwork and bat swing, here’s an analysis of his potential technical flaws when playing against left-arm fast bowlers like Mitchell Starc, especially on deliveries outside the off-stump:
Observations from dismissal videos.
1. Foot Placement in Steps:
• Kohli’s footwork involves taking small steps instead of a decisive stride toward the ball, it suggests hesitation or misjudgment of the ball’s length and line.
• This could lead to him not fully covering the line of the ball, leaving a gap between bat and pad, or getting squared up against deliveries angling across him.
2. Strange Arc of the Bat:
• If the bat is coming down in a strange arc (instead of a straight path), it indicates an issue with his hand positioning or balance.
• This could cause him to slice or edge the ball, especially against deliveries that seam or swing away.
Technical Flaws to Address:
1. Hesitant Footwork:
• Against left-arm pacers, the ball angling across requires precise footwork. Small steps indicate that his initial trigger movement might be incomplete or delayed.
• Without a stable base, his body weight may not transfer correctly, leaving him vulnerable to deliveries on the fourth or fifth stump line.
2. Over-reliance on Hands:
• If the bat is not coming down straight, it suggests he’s compensating for poor alignment with his hands. This often leads to the bat slicing through an outside arc, increasing the risk of edges.
3. Angling Across:
• Kohli might be chasing deliveries outside the off-stump instead of leaving them, especially when the bowler creates an illusion of the ball coming closer before it moves away.
4. Balance and Head Position:
• If his head isn’t over the ball or if he’s leaning too much on the front foot without judging the length, it makes him susceptible to both edges and missed timing.
Key Areas to Work On:
1. Trigger Movement:
• Kohli should focus on a decisive initial movement toward the line of the ball. His front foot should move toward off-stump to cover the line.
2. Bat Path:
• He must ensure the bat comes down in a straight line rather than slicing across. A straight bat reduces the chances of an edge.
3. Leave Strategy:
• Strengthening his judgment of the off-stump and being disciplined to leave balls outside the line will reduce unnecessary risks.
4. Head Position and Balance:
• Kohli’s head should remain still and align over the ball to maintain balance. A stable base will allow better judgment and shot ex*****on.
Practice Drills:
1. Off-Stump Awareness Drill:
• Practice with a sixth-stump line ball to train leaving deliveries outside the off-stump.
2. Straight Bat Drill:
• Use a shadow practice method to emphasize a straight bat swing.
3. Single-Step Foot Movement Drill:
• Focus on decisive foot placement toward the line, avoiding multiple small steps.
4. Swing Awareness Practice:
• Face deliveries with exaggerated swing to practice soft hands and disciplined shot selection.
By addressing these aspects, Kohli can regain confidence and reduce the frequency of dismissals to balls angling across him.
All the best in Sydney.
