Former India captain Virat Kohli focused on correcting his issues with deliveries outside the off-stump during an extended morning practice session on Day 4 of the third Test at the Gabba, Brisbane. Alongside Kohli, youngster Shubman Gill also worked on his game, both determined to regain form in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Kohli’s struggles in the series have been glaring, with all four of his dismissals coming off edges behind the stumps while attempting to drive balls outside the off-stump. His first-innings dismissal for just 3 runs against Josh Hazlewood highlighted this recurring issue. Hazlewood has troubled him twice, while Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland have also capitalized on his tentative shot selection.
Amid mounting criticism, Kohli put in the hard yards, spending significant time at the nets on Tuesday. His focus appeared to be on leaving balls outside the off-stump and tightening his technique against the Australian pace attack. Shubman Gill, too, joined Kohli for the session after a disappointing first innings, where he was dismissed for 1 off 3 balls.
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Shubman Gill’s expansive drive off Starc proved costly, with Mitchell Marsh completing the catch at gully. Notably, Gill’s last fifty-plus score in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) came back in the iconic 2021 Gabba Test.
#HarbhajanSingh shares his mantra: The more you play, the better you get. Watch as he reviews #ViratKohli & #ShubmanGill putting in the hard yards in the nets!#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 3rd Test, Day 4 | LIVE NOW on Star Sports! #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/hKm7IVHvBd
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 17, 2024
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, observing the duo, explained the importance of these extra practice sessions. Harbhajan said to the broadcasters, “They haven’t been scoring runs, and this is a chance to find rhythm. Hitting a lot of balls in the nets helps players feel better when they’re not in form. Seeing them here is encouraging even when India is batting out in the middle.”
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Harbhajan emphasized that India desperately needs both Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill to fire in the remaining matches. “The team relies on them, and hopefully, these practice sessions will help them bring their best when it matters most,” he concluded.
As India battles to stay competitive, the hard work and determination shown by Kohli and Gill in the nets could be a turning point for their individual performances and the team’s fortunes.