“Virat Kohli is still a great batsman”: Brett Lee opens on the batter’s performance in Australia

Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee criticized Virat Kohli‘s performance during India’s recent tour of Australia, calling it very un-Kohli-like. Lee explained how Australia’s impeccable bowling plans caused trouble for the Indian star, resulting in a disappointing Test series for Kohli.

Kohli managed only 190 runs across five Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His lone bright spot came when he scored a hundred in the first Test at Perth. However, his form quickly faded, with Kohli frequently edging balls outside the off stump, either to the slips or the keeper. He finished with an average of just 23.75, with critics pointing out his inability to curb the instinct of playing deliveries in the corridor of uncertainty. Lee expressed optimism after Kohli’s second-innings century at Perth Stadium but noted that after that innings, things took a turn for the worse for the batsman.

Lee remarked, “For me, it was very un-Kohli-like. You obviously get batsmen nicking off occasionally or making technical adjustments, but with Virat, unfortunately, he kept getting out the same way throughout the series. I think back to Perth, where he made a magnificent hundred in the second innings and thought, okay, he’s back to his best, but after that, it was slim pickings for him.”

Lee credited Australia’s brilliant preparation for Kohli. In particular, Australian seamer Scott Boland publicly discussed their strategy against the Indian batsman. Boland revealed that the plan was to adjust their line to the fifth stump once Kohli settled at the crease. This strategy worked effectively, as Kohli struggled to score consistently after his strong start in Perth.

Despite Kohli’s struggles, Lee emphasized that the Indian batter remained mentally engaged throughout the series. “I don’t think they were mentally unprepared,” Lee said. “I watched Kohli closely throughout, and he looked very engaged, applying all the skills that have made him a great batsman. He’s still a great batsman, but unfortunately, he couldn’t get the runs.”

Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s underwhelming performances severely impacted India’s batting strength, and the team ultimately lost the five-match series 1-3.

Related