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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has voiced his surprise at Virat Kohli’s difficulties against spinners in the ongoing three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Ali remarked that Kohli seems ill-prepared for the series, following his consecutive underwhelming performances against Sri Lanka.
Kohli has faced criticism for his inability to score in the first two ODIs of the series, struggling notably against the Sri Lankan spinners on a turning pitch. In these matches, Kohli managed only 24 and 14 runs. Team India is currently trailing 0-1 in the series after their loss in the second ODI.
Virat Kohli Is Not In Practice – Basit Ali
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali expressed surprise at the fact that experienced player Virat Kohli was dismissed LBW twice in two ODIs against Sri Lanka. Ali remarked that it would be more understandable if emerging players like Shivam Dube and Shreyas Iyer faced such dismissals in consecutive games.
“A great batsman like Virat Kohli, the world’s number one batsman, has been out LBW twice. It’s understandable if it happens to Iyer or Dube, but Virat Kohli is Virat Kohli. This means that he is not in practice,” Basit said.
Virat Kohli made a solid start in the first ODI on August 2, scoring 24 runs before being dismissed LBW by leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. In the second match, Kohli fell LBW again, this time to Hasaranga’s replacement, Jeffrey Vandersay, after contributing 14 runs from 19 balls. Despite his promising starts, he couldn’t convert them into significant scores.
These People Have Come Without Practice – Basit Ali
Basit Ali also mentioned that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, who were absent from the T20I series, entered the ODI series without sufficient practice on spinning tracks. The former Pakistan cricketer pointed out that this lack of preparation contributed to the difficulties faced by the batting lineup.
“It did not seem that this is the batting lineup which rules the world. I feel that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul probably haven’t even practiced. These people have come without practice,” Basit added.
The 53-year-old suggested that Gautam Gambhir should think about incorporating Rishabh Pant, Riyan Parag, and Rinku Singh into the playing XI. Ali cautioned that depending on players’ reputations rather than their current form might jeopardize their chances in the Champions Trophy 2025.
“I don’t understand what is Shreyas Iyer going to do with such performances. I think the time has come for Rishabh Pant, Riyan Parag, and Rinku Singh. India’s 50-over domestic tournament will be vital for Gautam Gambhir because he will have to take some players from there. If India pick players based on reputation, the results won’t be too good in the Champions Trophy,” he further stated.
The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka concluded in a tie, with both teams finishing on 230 runs. In the second ODI of the three-match series, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by 34 runs in Colombo, with Jeffrey Vandersay claiming six wickets and dismissing India for 208. Sri Lanka now leads the series 1-0 with one match left to play.
The third ODI is scheduled to take place at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, August 7. Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, India will aim to recover and level the series.
