Based on the basic idea behind the Indian Premier League, the motto of the league could be, “Where talent meets opportunity”. Since the inception of this competition we have seen a number of young Indian players from the domestic circuit get into the international side by performing well in the IPL. Furthermore, over the years, the IPL has also acted as a platform for the older guys who haven’t been able to maintain their place in the side to make their way back into the international team.
The 7th edition of the IPL has also followed a similar pattern. Although players like Gambhir, Yuvraj and Sehwag who were itching to get back into the Indian team had a slow start to their IPL season this year, they have shown good form especially in the India leg of the competition where they have scored runs consistently. What has been surprising is the change in fortunes for the rising star of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli.
According to me, Kohli has been the most prolific batsman for India since the 50-over World Cup in 2011. After being named the player of the tournament in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, a lot was expected from Virat Kohli in the IPL. But, unfortunately, he has not been able to put up a good show with the bat for his team.
PROFILE-
Matches- 10
Runs- 154
Average- 15.4
Highest- 49*
Considering the real temperament and capability of the player, the numbers are not encouraging at all. With no half-century to speak of so far and 3 ducks, it is clear that Kohli is not on top of his game. Here’s looking at the possible reasons for this-
1. Pressure of Captaincy- There are 2 possible effects that captaining a side can have on the personal game of a player; either it enhances his game to the fullest or his form hits an all time low. As a captain you are expected to lead from the front and this expectation could add on to the pressure. Although Kohli has shown that he can be an excellent captain by leading the India Under-19 team to a World Cup victory in the past, he hasn’t been able to maneuver his bowlers around well. Also, being the master of chases, Kohli has always been inclined to bowl first after winning the toss. As a result, he has chosen to bowl first on tracks where the team should have batted.
2. The Batting Order-When you have such a power house batting line up as the RCB do; there is always the problem of plenty. In the game against Rajasthan Royals, Virat did try to give himself more time by opening the innings. But, the issue was that both Gayle and Kohli require time to settle and then go big. As a result, there were a lot of dot balls and Kohli succumbed to the pressure. What I think he should do is come in at 3 if a wicket falls early to spend some time at the crease and consolidate the innings. But, if the first wicket falls after the 10th over, either of Yuvraj or AB De Villiers should be promoted up the order as they have shown good form in the tournament so far.
3. Using Muscle and not Technique- Although I have no knowledge about the right technique of batting, it is quite evident that Kohli is looking to muscle the ball to the boundary rather than ease it through the gaps available. He needs to keep his cool and go back to doing the basics right. He needs to give himself time in the middle and after he finds his timing, look for the big ones. He is too talented a player to miss out on boundary scoring opportunities once he gets his eye in.
With the all important tour of England coming up in July, it is imperative for the Indian team that Kohli comes back into form. Also, I think that the BCCI has taken the right call by not including Kohli in the team for a brief tour of Bangladesh in June, just after the IPL. He just needs to take some time off and relax before the tour comes up. I have been a huge admirer of Kohli’s talent and hope to see some marvelous knocks from him in the matches to come…
-DVS
The 7th edition of the IPL has also followed a similar pattern. Although players like Gambhir, Yuvraj and Sehwag who were itching to get back into the Indian team had a slow start to their IPL season this year, they have shown good form especially in the India leg of the competition where they have scored runs consistently. What has been surprising is the change in fortunes for the rising star of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli.
According to me, Kohli has been the most prolific batsman for India since the 50-over World Cup in 2011. After being named the player of the tournament in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, a lot was expected from Virat Kohli in the IPL. But, unfortunately, he has not been able to put up a good show with the bat for his team.
PROFILE-
Matches- 10
Runs- 154
Average- 15.4
Highest- 49*
Considering the real temperament and capability of the player, the numbers are not encouraging at all. With no half-century to speak of so far and 3 ducks, it is clear that Kohli is not on top of his game. Here’s looking at the possible reasons for this-
1. Pressure of Captaincy- There are 2 possible effects that captaining a side can have on the personal game of a player; either it enhances his game to the fullest or his form hits an all time low. As a captain you are expected to lead from the front and this expectation could add on to the pressure. Although Kohli has shown that he can be an excellent captain by leading the India Under-19 team to a World Cup victory in the past, he hasn’t been able to maneuver his bowlers around well. Also, being the master of chases, Kohli has always been inclined to bowl first after winning the toss. As a result, he has chosen to bowl first on tracks where the team should have batted.
2. The Batting Order-When you have such a power house batting line up as the RCB do; there is always the problem of plenty. In the game against Rajasthan Royals, Virat did try to give himself more time by opening the innings. But, the issue was that both Gayle and Kohli require time to settle and then go big. As a result, there were a lot of dot balls and Kohli succumbed to the pressure. What I think he should do is come in at 3 if a wicket falls early to spend some time at the crease and consolidate the innings. But, if the first wicket falls after the 10th over, either of Yuvraj or AB De Villiers should be promoted up the order as they have shown good form in the tournament so far.
3. Using Muscle and not Technique- Although I have no knowledge about the right technique of batting, it is quite evident that Kohli is looking to muscle the ball to the boundary rather than ease it through the gaps available. He needs to keep his cool and go back to doing the basics right. He needs to give himself time in the middle and after he finds his timing, look for the big ones. He is too talented a player to miss out on boundary scoring opportunities once he gets his eye in.
With the all important tour of England coming up in July, it is imperative for the Indian team that Kohli comes back into form. Also, I think that the BCCI has taken the right call by not including Kohli in the team for a brief tour of Bangladesh in June, just after the IPL. He just needs to take some time off and relax before the tour comes up. I have been a huge admirer of Kohli’s talent and hope to see some marvelous knocks from him in the matches to come…
-DVS