Legendary Australian wicket-keeper Ian Healy has offered strategic advice to Australia’s pace trio—Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc—on how to tackle Virat Kohli during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, set to begin on November 22 in Perth. Healy emphasized the importance of exploiting any potential weaknesses in Kohli’s game, advocating for an aggressive approach with targeted bowling.

Speaking to SEN Radio, Healy detailed his first plan of attack: targeting Kohli’s front pad. “The first matchup I’m looking at is how our quicks can bowl to Virat Kohli. They should target his front pad often,” Ian Healy remarked. He explained that Kohli’s technique allows him to dominate deliveries to various parts of the field but suggested focusing on his front-foot play to disrupt his rhythm.

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“He sits that front foot there and can play anywhere—off-side or leg-side—but they’ve got to probe for any insecurity in his form. The key is not to overdo it but to make that impact ball count after setting him up with seam,” Ian Healy added.

If the front-pad tactic doesn’t yield results, Ian Healy proposed a more aggressive approach—“body bashing.” He suggested bowling short-pitched deliveries aimed at Kohli’s upper body, particularly his back armpit, to unsettle him.

“Bowl at the back armpit—it’s got to be hot. Make him jump, duck, or weave, and get the short leg positioned close to him on the leg side,” Ian Healy advised. He also highlighted the use of bouncers at helmet height, forcing Kohli into difficult pull or hook shots under pressure.

Despite these tactical suggestions, Kohli’s record in Australia speaks volumes about his ability to counter challenges. The former Indian captain has consistently delivered exceptional performances Down Under, even though his recent form has been less dominant.

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With six centuries in 13 Tests in Australia, Kohli remains a formidable opponent for the Australian pacers. Whether Healy’s aggressive plans can disrupt Kohli’s rhythm or spur him to yet another memorable performance remains to be seen as the cricketing world eagerly awaits this high-stakes series.