Virat Kohli, the star batsman of Team India, is always under the watchful eyes of fans and cricket enthusiasts. Recently, discussions surrounding him have intensified, especially following his disappointing performance during the Australia tour and issues with neck pain, which kept him from participating in upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. Despite these setbacks, Virat has announced his availability for the next Ranji Trophy encounter and has initiated separate practice sessions away from the public eye, showing his determination to perform well. Interestingly, he is receiving guidance not from his childhood coach but from a former coach of the Indian team.
Preparation for Ranji Trophy in Mumbai
While Rohit Sharma has already played a match for Mumbai, Virat Kohli is gearing up for his turn. The former Indian captain has informed the Delhi cricket management that he will participate in the match against Railways on January 30. It appears that Virat is not just looking to fulfill formalities but aims to leave a significant mark in the game. To achieve this, he has already commenced his practice sessions in Mumbai. On January 25, some videos surfaced showing Kohli engaged in rigorous batting practice.
Virat Kohli working with Sanjay Banger in Mumbai pic.twitter.com/jl1bbHh1AZ
— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) January 25, 2025
Working on Weaknesses with RCB’s Former Coach
During these practice sessions, two significant points stood out. First, instead of his childhood coach, Kohli opted for the assistance of Sanjay Bangar, a notable figure who has served as a coach for both the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Indian national team. Bangar was seen actively helping Kohli during the practice. Second, Kohli focused on rectifying a weakness that has troubled him not just in Australia but across various formats—batting on the back foot. He diligently practiced defending and executing cuts while batting off the back foot.
Virat Kohli During Practice Session in Mumbai.
#ViratKohli #Mumbai @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/XQa8sAvVK2
— virat_kohli_18_club (@KohliSensation) January 25, 2025
Preparing for the Champions Trophy
Another noteworthy aspect highlighted in these practice videos is that Kohli is not just preparing for the red-ball cricket in the Ranji Trophy; he is also getting ready for white-ball formats. After the single Ranji Trophy match, he is scheduled to participate in the ODI series against England, followed by the Champions Trophy, where India’s success will heavily depend on his performance. In the previous year, Kohli struggled during three ODIs in Sri Lanka, failing to score a substantial innings. Thus, he aims to bounce back and improve his form in his most successful format.