‘Surrender slightly to the game’: Ex-India batting coach’s advice to ‘out-of-form’ Virat Kohli

NEW DELHI: Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has advised Virat Kohli to tweak his approach and focus on playing closer to his body as he prepares for the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), starting on December 26. Bangar believes Kohli’s strong record at the venue and its conducive conditions present the perfect opportunity for the star batter to regain his rhythm.
Kohli began the series with a scintillating unbeaten 100 in the second innings of the first Test in Perth. However, his form has since dipped, with scores of 7, 11 and 3 in his next three innings. Despite the dip, Bangar remains optimistic about Kohli’s chances at the iconic venue, where he has scored 316 runs at an average of 52.67 in six Test innings.
Speaking on Star Sports, Bangar highlighted the adjustments Kohli could make to return to his run-scoring ways. “Sometimes you need to keep your status as a batter in control a little. When you surrender slightly to the game, spend a little time, ease out in the middle, wait for the bowler to come to you, and do not go yourself towards the bowler, that’s the sign of a big player.”

Bangar also underscored Kohli’s affinity for big occasions, pointing out the significance of the MCG as a stage. “He has great memories on this ground. He played a 169-run knock here, and it’s a ground where the crowd will come to watch. He is a showman. Any performer needs a grand spectacle, and this is a grand spectacle. So, keep your status slightly in control.”
The former batting coach also addressed Kohli’s recent modes of dismissal, all of which have been catches by the wicketkeeper or in the slip cordon. Bangar emphasized the need for Kohli to tighten his game outside the off-stump.
“Play as many balls as possible close to your front pad, and then the runs will flow. It’s not that he hasn’t scored runs. He scored a century three innings ago, and in the series before that, he played a 70-run knock against New Zealand in Bengaluru,” he added.

Bangar expressed confidence that minor adjustments could resolve Kohli’s recent struggles. “If he tries to play slightly close to the front pad, I feel all these dismissals of his will automatically get erased.”
As the series heads to Melbourne, Bangar’s insights offer a roadmap for Kohli to rediscover his best form and potentially play a pivotal role in India’s fortunes at the MCG.