Virat Kohli is ready for world cricket's Greatest Rivalry: Sanjay Bangar

Former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar has provided his insights into Virat Kohli's game plan against the strong Pakistani bowling attack. As India gears up to face Pakistan in the much-awaited clash, Kohli's strategy as a batter is under the spotlight.

Bangar acknowledged Kohli's readiness for the high-voltage India-Pakistan rivalry, praising the historical shot he played against Haris Rauf in their last encounter in Australia. He emphasized Kohli's recent transformation after a lean patch, where he was getting out in the slip cordon or falling victim to LBW decisions.

“Yes, Virat Kohli is ready for the Greatest Rivalry in world cricket, India versus Pakistan. The last time these two nations played, Virat came out with a special innings, and that shot versus Haris Rauf will be etched in the memories of cricket lovers for a long, long time,” Bangar told on Star Sports' show Game Plan.

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The former coach highlighted Kohli's adjustment in his technique, specifically his approach to staying still and allowing the ball to come to him. This change is particularly helpful when facing Shaheen Shah Afridi's late swing. 

“He is setting up really nice and early, staying still, allowing the ball to come to him. That is one aspect which is going to help him big time, especially against Shaheen Shah Afridi because he gets the ball to swing in late. And if we are watching the ball, letting it come to you, you can actually play it down the ground or play it to mid-on or mid-wicket region; that is where his strength is,” he added.

Bangar also shed light on Kohli's strategies against spinners. When facing Shadab Khan, Kohli plans to use his footwork and target the point and cover region predominantly, he highlighted.

“Against the spinners, he has his own methods of scoring runs. Against Shadab Khan, he will look to rock onto the back foot, play between point and cover region, a lot on the back foot. Against Mohammad Nawaz, he will look to use his feet because he is not afraid of doing that,” Bangar added.

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