Short Description
Virat Kohli’s long-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy reminisces old challenges as Mohammad Kaif reflects on Kohli’s persistent struggle against outside-off-stump deliveries.
Read Time
Approximately 4 minutes
Main Article
Virat Kohli is set to make a much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after an absence of over 12 years, bringing with him a storied legacy that includes numerous records and accolades. However, amidst the excitement, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif expressed his astonishment that Kohli still grapples with the same weakness that was evident during his last Ranji appearance in 2012. This enduring flaw, particularly evident against deliveries outside the off-stump, has followed Kohli through his illustrious career and even through challenging series like the recent tour of Australia.
During his last Ranji match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012, Kohli was dismissed twice by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in a manner that has hauntingly resurfaced in more recent performances. In Australia, despite starting strong with a magnificent century, Kohli struggled significantly, accumulating only 191 runs across nine innings due to his tendency to poke at balls well outside his off-stump—a pattern that traces back to his earlier days in domestic cricket. Kaif, who witnessed Kohli’s dismissal firsthand during that Ranji match, noted how critical it is for Kohli to address these persistent issues as he gears up for major tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy, beginning in February 2025.
As Kohli enters this season’s Ranji Trophy match, his opportunity to refine his technique comes at a crucial time. For both Kohli and Team India, runs in the domestic circuit would serve not just as practice but as a vital confidence booster before heading into international competitions. Kaif emphasized the rarity of Kohli’s situation, pointing out that it is unbelievable that the same weaknesses still haunt someone who has achieved so much in the game, including amassing over 50 centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs). This attention to detail in his game is essential for Kohli if he aims to dictate terms in the ICC Champions Trophy and carry his stellar ODI World Cup form, where he scored an impressive 765 runs in 2023, into the upcoming competition.
As the cricketing world looks forward to Kohli’s performances, the hope remains that he can confront and overcome his long-standing weaknesses. The path back to elite form is fraught with challenges, yet with Kaif’s insights and Kohli’s undeniable talent, the expectations remain high for his Ranji Trophy comeback.
Short Summary
Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy highlights persistent weaknesses against outside-off-stump deliveries, a flaw noted by former cricketer Mohammad Kaif. As Kohli prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy, refining his technique will be crucial for success, particularly after a challenging recent series in Australia.
