Former Team India batting coach Sanjay Bangar recently opined on how senior batter Virat Kohli doesn’t play the sweep shot very often while facing spinners. He added that the opposition teams are also aware of this approach as well. Reacting to Kohli’s batting practice on Day 3 of India’s preparatory camp for the Asia Cup 2023 in Alur, Bangar said that the veteran player will depend on targeting the gap between the mid-wicket and the square leg to hit runs against spinners.
He told Star Sports: “From the visuals that I have seen, it is very clear that Virat Kohli is targeting the mid-wicket region. We saw him play some big shots and sweep. Everybody knows that Kohli doesn’t play the sweep shot very often, so the field is set accordingly. He also played a lot of backfoot shots, using the depth of the crease.”
Meanwhile, Sanjay Bangar, who has worked closely with Virat Kohli, suggested that the batter’s game has improved significantly since decided to not play with a high backlift as well.
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He added: “Virat Kohli has been using his feet very well lately. There is a reason behind this improvement. There was a phase in between where he played with a high or a pre-loaded backlift. He is now playing bat tap, which is very helpful in judging the length of the ball. This is why his shot-making has become so brilliant.”
Notably, the Indian team management has conducted a training camp in Bengaluru, as they gear up for the upcoming ODI tournament. According to Star Sports, the Indian batters batted in pairs on Day 3 of the camp and Bangar stated that the pairs were made considering the possible situations the team could face in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
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“Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill also batted together today. This was because if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli get out early, those two will be at the crease. Similarly, if Virat is at the crease and the No. 4 gets out, India could promote a left-handed batter, which is why, he batted with Ravindra Jadeja and a provisional situation was created,” he concluded.
