'Big players lose concentration against weak teams' - Basit Ali backs Virat Kohli to go big in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Virat Kohli is not among the runs in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. In the first Test at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai, the star India batter scored six and 17 runs. He was well set in the second innings having faced 36 balls but fell to spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz after opting against review the on-field umpire's lbw decision. To Kohli and India's dismay, it later emerged that the ball had faintly brushed off his bat before hitting on the pads and he would have survived had he opted to challenge the decision

bMeanwhile, shedding light on Kohli’s batting struggles, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has said “big players lose concentration against weak teams”.  The Bangladesh series is being touted as the apt preparation for the impending Australia tour for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli, in particular, has dominated Down Under, and Basit stated that Australia will be an able opponent for the 35-year-old as they will bring out the best in him. 

Also Read: India retain same squad for second Test against Bangladesh

"Virat will return to form against Australia. He will like the pacy wickets in Australia. Big players often lose concentration against weak teams but they do well against tougher oppositions,” said Basit on his YouTube channel.

People say India win at home but they have won two series in Australia: Basit Ali

India are perched atop the points table in the World Test Championship table. They are followed by Australia who occupy second place. Moreover, India are defended the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home in 2023 and also won the previous edition in Australia. Basit stated that India will successfully defend the title in November-December this year. 

"People say India win at home but they have won two series in Australia as well. India won't allow Australia to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year as well,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kohli will be seen playing in the second Test against Bangladesh scheduled to commence in Kanpur from September 27.