'His batting technique is so deeply ingrained' - Shane Watson backs Virat Kohli's technical skills despite struggling form

Former Australian cricketer and current Delhi Capitals’ assistant coach Shane Watson feels that even though Virat Kohli is going through a rough patch in his career, the former captain has not lost touch with his batting techniques. Kohli has struggled with the bat in the international arena as well as the Indian Premier League, as his form has deserted him.

Kohli had a lot riding on his shoulders as he approached the IPL 2022 campaign without any of the added responsibility of captaincy. However, little has transformed to the field as Kohli has been battling with probably the worst period, scoring just 128 runs in nine matches without a half-century and a dismal average of 16, his lowest since the IPL’s initial season.

“His batting technique is so ingrained. You’ve seen how much he’s in control of his technique. For most batsmen, there are always little things that creep in that you always try and chase to get rid of. Whereas Virat, it has never been that way. His technique is so deeply ingrained. So knowing that it is just all around his mental freshness,” said Watson on The Grade Cricketer.

Kohli knows his game better than most players I’ve ever played with: Shane Watson

The former Chennai Super Kings star also stressed the importance of a coach’s role in assisting a top player who is going through a slump, stating it’s all about keeping the player psychologically fresh.

“As a coach, it would be all around for him to be as mentally fresh as he possibly can be. Technically, he knows his game. He knows his game better than most players I’ve ever played with. The intensity he’s always had going into every game over the last few years is superhuman. Virat is now at a point where it is hard to maintain,” he added.

Kohli is at a point in his career where he may find it difficult to retain the great energy he has shown over the years, therefore it’s critical for him to stay mentally fresh, according to Watson. He believes it is critical for Kohli to stay in a positive state of mind.