Former India coach Abhishek Nayar has expressed confidence that Virat Kohli can bounce back in the third and final ODI against Australia, which will take place in Sydney on Saturday, October 25. Nayar said Kohli has had bad luck on his side but his resilience and determination could help him turn things around.
Virat has recorded back-to-back ducks in the ongoing ODI series against Australia. The Men in Blue posted a total of 265 in the second ODI in Adelaide on Thursday, October 23. However, Australia chased down the target with two wickets in hand and 22 balls to spare, securing a 2–0 series lead going into the final match.
It will take a lot of courage and determination from Virat Kohli – Abhishek Nayar
During a segment on Star Sports’ Game Plan, Abhishek Nayar said that Virat Kohli has been unlucky so far in the series and added that the batter could turn around his fortunes with grit and determination.
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“You always say you need the green. He hasn’t had it yet. That doesn’t mean he can’t. There are two zeros, all he has to do is add the one on the side. It will take a lot of courage and determination from him, but those are stories,” Nayar said.
Virat recorded consecutive ducks for the first time in his 304-match ODI career. In both outings, he was forced to strike in the first powerplay after early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
A Virat Kohli does not become a Virat Kohli without… – Abhishek Nayar
The former India all-rounder said Kohli had the ability to bounce back from setbacks. He noted that Kohli has faced challenges before and always bounced back. Nayar added that Kohli can overcome his current difficulties.
“A Virat Kohli doesn’t become a Virat Kohli without overcoming failures. He has done that in the past. He struggled in England. Kohli came back and conquered him. He still has one more match to overcome his demons, but if there is anyone I would count on and bet on, it would be Virat,” Nayar said.
Kohli has a modest record at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He scored just 146 runs in seven ODIs at the venue, averaging 24.33 with a strike rate of 82.95 and a highest score of 89.
I just think it was a terrific delivery – Abhishek Nayar
In the same discussion, Abhishek Nayar praised the performance that dismissed Virat Kohli during the second ODI against Australia. He added that even the best hitters could have been fooled, as the position of the seam suggested the ball would leave him.
“To be honest, it doesn’t matter whether Virat gets out or not, I think it was a terrific delivery. I think most batters in the world, who have studied his bowling and understand it, wouldn’t expect that delivery because even the way he released it, the seam position suggested that the ball would leave him,” Nayar said.
The 36-year-old batter initially let the first two balls go outside the off stump and blocked the third. On the fourth delivery, he misjudged a shot across the line and found himself trapped LBW.
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