Former India batsman VVS Laxman feels that spinners have found some ‘chinks’ in India skipper Virat Kohli’s batting technique as his woes continue in the ongoing 12th edition of the Indian Premier League tournament. With just 78 runs from four outings, Kohli’s dismal form in the IPL has many worried, especially with the ICC World Cup just around the corner. Laxman feels that a hard worker that he is in the nets, Virat will eventually sort out the issue, which has been troubling him for long and is just temporary.
“Well, I think there are some chinks because it is not the first time they’ve (spinners) got him, especially with the googlies,” VVS Laxman, currently a mentor with the Sunrisers Hyderabad team, told India Today in an exclusive interview.
“I remember last year too Mujeeb, Zampa and Markande got Virat out. In fact, Shreyas got his wicket before as well. I am sure that is something which Virat will be mindful of. Any pattern that Virat gets out in, he works quite hard on it.
“The biggest example of that is the England series. He had a miserable series there in 2013 but the way he bounced back, scoring close to 600 runs on last tour, shows what kind of player he is. He is a special player and I am sure he will work this out as well,” says Laxman, himself a veteran of 134 Tests and 86 ODIs.
With four defeats from as many games, Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore are yet to open their account in the points table this season.
“It will be really disappointing because I know how much pride Virat takes in each and every match he represents, whether for India or for RCB,” said Laxman.
“It must be a little disappointing for them but you cannot rule anyone or any team out of the competition so early. It is going to be tough as they have to win 8 or 9 of their remaining games which is going to be real hard work.
“I think the next two-three games will be very, very crucial for them. Both Virat and AB de Villiers are such quality batsmen, I think it is time for them show what they are made of. I think both of them will be a little disappointed that there is no other major contributor as far as batting is concerned. Parthiv did well in the last game but others have still not,” he added.
