Virat Kohli, known for his explosive performances on the global cricketing stage, encountered a rare setback during the opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy against Bangladesh. Scoring only 22 runs off 38 balls, Kohli fell victim to leg-spinner Rishad Hussain. Despite India’s victory in the match, discussions have surged around a leaked blueprint aimed at exploiting Kohli’s vulnerabilities, particularly ahead of the crucial encounter against Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. What are these strategies, and who might emerge as Pakistan’s key player against Kohli? Let’s delve deeper.
Virat Kohli’s Emerging Weakness Against Spin
Traditionally, Kohli has struggled against deliveries targeting the fifth and sixth stumps, but a new challenge has emerged: his vulnerability against leg-spin. This struggle has intensified in recent matches, particularly since the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Kohli has faced continuous trouble against leg-spinners.
Recent Struggles with Leg Spin
In the past year, Kohli has been dismissed by leg-spinners five times in just five innings, with a dismal average of 4.2 runs per dismissal. Specifically, in these innings, he faced 46 balls and managed to score only 21 runs. His recent performance against Rishad Hussein allowed Bangladesh to capitalize on this weakness, leading to a crucial wicket that ignited discussions concerning Kohli’s form.
Bangladesh’s Tactical Advantage
Bangladesh effectively leveraged Kohli’s newfound weakness, deploying young leg-spinner Rishad Hussain strategically. Kohli’s attempts to cut the ball ultimately led to his dismissal, showcasing how crucial understanding a batsman’s weaknesses can be. This performance has highlighted the vulnerabilities that bowlers can exploit in high-stakes matches.
Pakistan’s Potential Strategy
As they prepare for the looming clash, the Pakistan cricket team is likely analyzing Kohli’s innings to develop a strategic plan. Identified as a potential weapon against him is Abrar Ahmed, another leg-spinner known for his deceptive bowling style, often labeled a ‘mystery spinner.’ His earlier performance against New Zealand, where he claimed one wicket while conceding only 47 runs in 10 overs, proves his potential effectiveness as a bowler against Kohli.
Conclusion: The Battle of Wits in Dubai
As the February 23 match approaches, Kohli’s ability to adapt to leg-spin bowling will be crucial for India’s success. With both Pakistan and India poised for a fierce battle, watching Kohli navigate this challenge will be pivotal. Players like Abrar Ahmed may become key figures in this tactical chess game, showcasing how adaptations in strategy can shift the course of a match.