Aggressive thinking is causing Virat Kohli problems: Irfan Pathan on Indian captain's struggles in England

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has not had the best of times in the five-match Test series that is being played between England and India. A lot has been made ever since the start of the series about his form. So far, Kohli has batted in five innings spanning over three Test matches. However, he has only managed to score a total of 124 runs, with an average of 24.80. The Indian skipper did manage to score a half-century in the third Test in Leeds, but his technique remains a major area for concern as per experts. The series is currently level at 1-1 with a couple of Test matches to play. Kohli will hope that he can find his form in these matches if he wants to lead from the front and help his side to a famous series victory against the Three Lions away from home.

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan is of the belief that there are no issues with the technical aspect of things when it comes to the Indian skipper. Pathan said that the aggressive nature of Kohli is what is making it difficult for it to get going in this particular series. In a conversation with former India opener Aakash Chopra in a YouTube video, Pathan attributed the India captain’s poor run to his dominating nature.

“I feel more than the preparation, Virat Kohli looking to dominate is forcing him to play deliveries outside off-stump. It is just that small thing. More than technical, Virat Kohli’s aggressive thinking is causing him problems,” Pathan told Chopra during an interaction. Former India women’s team skipper Anjum Chopra was also a part of the video, and she shared her opinion on Kohli’s struggles on English soil in this particular series as well.

ANJUM CHOPRA SHARES HER VIEW

“He also knows that he has to score runs. But the thing about error-free batting, that he will make a statement is putting more weight on his shoulders and maybe not allowing him to move freely. I feel he needs to bring his standard slightly lower than the error-free batting he is trying to do,” Anjum said.

Three of the five Test matches have been played between India and England so far. The first Test ended in a draw. The match was one that was dominated by the Indian side. The visitors then recorded an iconic victory in the second Test at the home of cricket, Lords. In the third Test in Leeds, the hosts fought back and recorded a comfortable victory against the Indians. The series is currently tied at 1-1 with two more matches left to play.

The final couple of matches will be played at the Oval and Old Trafford respectively. If there is one aspect that India does need to improve on, it is their batting. The entire lineup was bundled out for just 78 in the first innings on the third Test and the English bowlers picked seven wickets in 54 minutes in the second innings. It will indeed be an area of concern for the coaches and the skipper.