Virat Kohli’s persistent underperformance has stirred discussions among cricket veterans worldwide. Notably, former Indian cricketers Bharat Arun and S. Badrinath recently weighed in on this topic. During their discussion, Badrinath inquired about the coaching dynamic between the current team’s coaching staff and Kohli, specifically questioning whether they provide him with the necessary inputs for improvement. Arun highlighted the significant contributions made by former coach Ravi Shastri during his tenure in helping Kohli. His comments subtly pointed to Gautam Gambhir, suggesting that the current coaching staff lacks the ability to engage effectively with Kohli regarding his batting shortcomings.
Impact of Shastri’s Guidance on Kohli’s Game
Bharat Arun emphasized the critical role a coach must play in guiding Kohli through challenging times in his batting career. He recalled the transformative 2014 England tour when Shastri advised Kohli to adjust his batting stance to counter the swinging conditions. Arun recounted, “Shastri told him, ‘Stand in front of leg stump; it swings in England, you cannot stand there. Move to middle stump, come outside the crease; you own the crease.’ Kohli took this advice to heart and subsequently scored four centuries in Australia.” This illustrates how pivotal coaching advice can be in refining a player’s technique.
Adapting to Weaknesses: Even Legends Face Challenges
Arun further noted that every great batsman has weaknesses, but it’s crucial how they address and overcome these challenges. “This is a mental game; cricket is about 90% mentality. This is why every special player often has a personal coach they trust, and Kohli should have that as well,” he stated. Finding ways to cope with and improve upon weaknesses is key to maintaining consistency at the top level.
Kohli and Shastri: A Complementary Duo
Arun described the partnership between Kohli and Shastri as one of mutual reinforcement. “Shastri was one of those individuals who complemented Kohli perfectly. When Shastri told Kohli that the crease belonged to him, he even practiced with him directly in the nets, giving him throwdowns and encouraging him to stand his ground. Kohli embraced this with confidence and translated it into his performances in Australia,” Arun elaborated. This connection between coach and player can create a powerful synergy that enhances performance.
Confidence and Command: The Qualities of Effective Coaching
The former coach pointed out the importance of a coach having the stature and confidence to communicate effectively with a player like Kohli. He remarked, “To have those conversations, a coach must possess the kind of authority and self-belief that Shastri had, a quality I feel is currently lacking in the coaching staff.” This underscores the significance of having a charismatic and authoritative coach who can inspire confidence in star players.
In conclusion, the dynamic between a player and their coach significantly influences performance, particularly when it comes to dealing with adversity. As discussions around Kohli’s form continue, it’s clear that providing him with the right mentorship and guidance is crucial for his return to form and effectiveness on the field.