Legendary Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist has offered some valuable advice to Virat Kohli after the Indian batting icon failed to deliver in the second Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Adelaide Oval.
Kohli had a disappointing outing in the Day-Night Test against Australia in Adelaide, where he was dismissed for just 7 and 11 after scoring an unbeaten century in the first Test in Perth. After India suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat to Australia in the second Test, Adam Gilchrist said Virat Kohli could benefit from taking a more patient approach.
Adam Gilchrist urges Virat Kohli to be patient after disappointing Adelaide Test
The former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman has recalled how Sachin Tendulkar showed his famous patient approach during his remarkable knock in Sydney in 2004, and feels the same approach would help the former Indian captain in the ongoing five-match Test series between India and Australia .
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Virat Kohli has struggled with deliveries behind the stumps so far in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, and Adam Gilchrist feels it may be time for the right-handed batsman to refine his strategy.
He pointed out how Sachin Tendulkar, when faced with a similar challenge, avoided chasing deliveries outside off stump and concentrated on playing a patient and disciplined game; that is something Kohli must follow in the remaining Test matches.
It’s more about the battle between your ears: Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist was quoted by Cricbuzz: “The biggest battle is not with what is coming at you from the bowler or the skill of the opponent, it is more about the battle between your ears. So, I’m not suggesting that Virat makes sense, but maybe he should try to focus on what Sachin Tendulkar did at the SCG. And I’d say ‘okay’, he’d say, ‘okay, I’m not going to chase anything outside the off stump.’ You come to me.’ “Just play the patience game.”
The cricket expert has also emphasized that the biggest battle in the game is often mental, which is why Kohli must take inspiration from Tendulkar’s calmness and resilience during difficult times.
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He believes that Kohli already has a wealth of experience and mental toughness, so he should embrace the game of patience and take his game to new heights in the ongoing Test series in Australia.
Adam Gilchrist urges Virat Kohli to refine his strategy like Sachin Tendulkar
Gilchrist added: “He has enough experience under his belt to know he is mentally strong. He has carried the weight of expectations since the Under-19 level, entered the IPL and became the icon that he is. You should be able to say to yourself, I’m going to do what I can to do what’s best for the team and if it’s a long, patient game, so be it. “If you play enough, you will probably have to evolve in different ways and this could be an opportunity for Virat to do that.”
In particular, Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 241-run win against Australia at the SCG in 2004 is iconic for its discipline and strategy. Tendulkar, who was struggling with deliveries outside off-stump, avoided playing his trademark cover move and this bold decision neutralized Australia’s attack.