Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world, is known for his relentless dedication and preparation. Recently, he was spotted training with a unique bat in Delhi as he gears up for the prestigious Ranji Trophy. In collaboration with former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar, Kohli invested a significant 55 minutes honing his skills. What exactly makes this special bat distinct, and what did he accomplish during this intensive practice session? Let’s dive into the specifics of his preparation for the upcoming tournament.
What Makes Virat Kohli’s Special Bat Different?
Kohli’s choice of bat during his practice session in Delhi stood out due to its unique design. Unlike a regular bat, this one appeared slimmer, particularly in the blade area, which allows for better maneuverability and enhanced control while playing various types of shots. This specialized bat serves as an excellent training tool for fine-tuning his technique, especially with a specific focus on his footwork and shot selection.
55 Minutes of Intensive Preparation for Scoring Runs in Ranji
So, what did Kohli accomplish in those crucial 55 minutes of training? He began with 15 minutes of throw-downs. During this phase, he practiced playing front-foot deliveries for 5 minutes, followed by 10 minutes focused on back-foot shots against short-pitched deliveries. Notably, Kohli encountered a few balls outside the off-stump, which tested his precision and timing.
After completing the throw-down practice, Kohli transitioned to face spinners in the nets for the next 20 minutes. He batted against left-arm spinners Sumit Mathur and Harsh Tyagi. During this practice, Kohli exhibited his classic cutting style on their shorter deliveries while also showing adaptability when he was beaten by a particularly good delivery from Harsh Tyagi. His ability to maintain control against spin is an encouraging sign as he prepares for the diverse bowling attacks he’ll encounter in the Ranji Trophy.
Next, Kohli faced fast bowlers for another 20 minutes, where he encountered names like Navdeep Saini, Manik Grewal, Rahul Gahlot, Vivek Gussain, and the only left-arm pacer, Siddhant Sharma. While he was beaten by Siddhant on two occasions, he effectively implemented coaching advice from Delhi’s coach Sharandeep Singh. This included taking a proper guard on the middle and off-stump, which visibly improved Kohli’s batting rhythm—allowing him to elegantly drive the ball with authority.
Returning to Ranji After 2012
It’s worth noting that Kohli will appear in the Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2012. The last time he played, he was an emerging talent, but now he stands as a cricketing icon. This return has generated considerable excitement among fans and analysts alike, as they eagerly anticipate how he can influence the tournament and contribute to the Delhi team with his extraordinary skill set.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s rigorous training regimen and the utilization of a specialized bat reflect his commitment to excelling in the upcoming Ranji Trophy, setting an inspiring example for aspiring cricketers everywhere.