Abhishek Nayar backs Virat Kohli to bounce back stronger in 2nd ODI against Australia

Former Indian batting coach Abhishek Nayar has put his weight behind Virat Kohli to bounce back stronger in the second ODI against Australia. After playing seven dot balls on the bounce, Kohli went for an expensive cover drive against Mitchell Starc but was caught brilliantly by Cooper Connolly for a blob.

Kohli was playing professional cricket after a long break and could not get going. Nayar, who observed Kohli from close quarters as India’s batting coach, said Kohli plays with a lot of passion and hunger and leaves no stone unturned in his preparation. 

“Whatever time I have spent with him, he knows how to play in one way only, with passion and aggression. He will back himself. There will be a lot of discussions about him playing deliveries outside the off-stump,” Nayar said while speaking on Star Sports. 

“He will go back and visualise. He will meditate and come into his zone. I always believe that you don’t prepare for failure but for success. Whomever you ask, they will say that when Virat comes, the attempt will be to bowl back of the length outside off-stump, with short balls in between,” Nayar said. 

“Virat and the opposition know that. If Virat comes to bat after Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have scored 70 runs in the first 10 overs, the case is different. If he comes at the start, the case is different,” Nayar added. 

Kohli has all the experience under his belt and he would look to make the most of it. The right-hander has happy memories of playing at Adelaide Oval as he has a fantastic record at the ground and he would want to deliver the goods.

The second ODI between India and Australia will be played at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.