Virat Kohli kicks aside Gambhir and Nayyar, works with Sanjay Bhangar to sharpen the backfoot game

Veteran batsman Virat Kohli is not up against the best in cricket. The 36-year-old has struggled in his recent matches with his technique all over the place.

However, Kohli aims to overcome his weakness and regain his pre-Ranji Trophy form in Delhi. He practiced with former India fight coach Sanjay Bangar in the nets, and even had a long chat with him.

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According to PTI, Virat Kohli has called on Sanjay Bhanjar to regain some form. Bangar arranged a training session for Kohli at the Mumbai facility which is believed to have been personally developed under his supervision.

Sanjay Bangar was a coach in India when Kohli was in his career. Bangar has also worked with Kohli in managing the RCB team before. The former India batting coach was seen accompanying Kohli with a few catches from 16 yards.

The main focus was on developing a strong backfoot that could enable Kohli to play rising balls outside the off-stump comfortably. The training session was also aimed at creating a range of square shots from the wicket.

🚨 Virat Kohli focusing on the Backfoot game 🚨

– Virat Kohli’s practice with Sanjay Bangar has been to develop Backfoot Play and create more square runs from the wicket. (PTI) pic.twitter.com/pf2igh8rko

-Jones. (criccrazyjohns) January 26, 2025

A movable cement board was attached at the back of the length area, which may also be called the mid-army area, to feed it with some length balls rising sharply out of the stump.

Kohli had a lot of trouble against such deliveries in the recent Test tour of Australia as the balls used to bounce more after the pitch on a good length. This led to his expulsion. Of the times during the series.

You need to create more scoring opportunities

It should be noted that Virat Kohli is naturally a bowler and does not rely on his back game much. However, outside conditions in which the balls move late require the batter to play the ball late and use his Backfoot game to perfection.

Over the years, Kohli has relied on his trademark cover drive, but this shot has been his downfall over the past few months. The idea of ​​the training session was to make sure he maintained healthy scoring areas even if he didn’t get many over-the-top balls.

Over the years, Kohli has scored most of his runs in front of the wicket with his traditional shots. However, he aims to develop his backfoot game to expand his scoring opportunities.

Virat Kohli’s last Test form

Virat Kohli had a poor Test series in Australia as he compiled 190 runs in five Tests at an average of 23.75. He was constantly troubled by balls outside off-stump, and all the dismissals were in a similar manner as his off-spin went to the wicket-keeper or the off-stump fielder.

After playing the upcoming Ranji Trophy game, Kohli will feature in the ODI series against England and then take part in the Champions Trophy where he will be key to India’s chances. The 36-year-old has a good record in ICC tournaments and ODI format.