Virat Kohli's Self-Imposed Pressure: A Journey in Cricket

Former Indian captain Anil Kumble believes Virat Kohli is overburdening himself, trying too hard to overcome a lean phase, and should relax mentally. Former batter Sanjay Manjrekar suggests Kohli might lack big-hitting prowess now. Kohli's struggles against spin limit his confidence, as evident from his recent performances.

Former India captain and coach Anil Kumble has expressed that Virat Kohli may be shouldering excessive pressure as he attempts to exit a difficult period. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kohli has recorded only one fifty in six innings, accumulating 137 runs.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Kumble mentioned, "It seems like he's trying too hard. You can observe this in his gameplay; he just needs to ease up." Echoing this sentiment, Sanjay Manjrekar opined that Kohli's recent performances were evidence of a loss of big-hitting capability, impacting his confidence.

Kohli's difficulties against spin were on display in India's recent Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh. The batsman was dismissed for 22 by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, marking his sixth consecutive dismissal to spin. Manjrekar highlighted that Kohli's unease allowed spinners to bowl more aggressively against him, emphasizing the need for Kohli to find his form again.

(With inputs from agencies.)