ENG vs IND: Sourav Ganguly reckons Virat Kohli panicked before the tour

Virat Kohli didn’t have an auspicious outing the last time India toured England back in 2014. The 29-year old could only muster 134 runs in 5 Test matches at a dismal average of 13.40. Many a time, he was found wanting, fending at deliveries outside the off-side. He has worked hard on his batting to improve the way he deals with the swinging balls and the ones in the probing zone.

In light of last time’s poor performance, Virat signed a contract with Surrey to play in the County Championship. The decision was made to get himself prepared before India’s journey in the United Kingdom, which starts in a couple of days’ time. However, a neck sprain forced him out of the event and he also went through the mandatory yo-yo test to prove his fitness for the tour.

“He will do well this time”- Ganguly on Kohli

Nevertheless, the Delhi-born batsman mentioned that missing the Surrey stint was a blessing in disguise and the same helped him to get himself refreshed prior to the hectic schedule. Recently, Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain praised Virat and said that he had no apprehensions regarding his improvement. He also reckons that Kohli pressed the panic button when he decided to play County cricket.

“Kohli is a fantastic player. He will do well this time. I am happy that he did not play county cricket before the England series. I think he was eager to play county because he was panicky after not having a good tour last time around. He is too good a player to miss out this time,” Ganguly was quoted as saying on TOI.

Dada also talked about the Men in Blue’s chances on the tour while speculating the series to be a closely-fought one. “India’s chances are bright but England are also in good form. It will be a closely contested series,” the 45-year-old added.

Virat and his men will start their campaign in England on July 3.

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