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Sanjay Bangar discusses Virat Kohli’s technical and mindset changes post-2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leading to a stunning century against Pakistan.
Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 100 vs Pakistan (Picture credit: AP)
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has revealed the technical and mindset changes Virat Kohli brought in after the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to get back into form. Bangar, who was spotted working with Kohli after the Indian team returned to the country, said Kohli increased his intensity, started watching each ball like a ‘hawk’ and adjusted his bat swing to play as late as possible.
Kohli had a difficult tour of Australia as after a century in the first Test in Perth, he struggled even to cross 50. His Ranji Trophy comeback didn’t go as planned, nor did his time against England in the home ODI series before the Champions Trophy. However, once in the UAE, he smacked a stunning, unbeaten century against Pakistan in India’s second match of the campaign, giving hardly any chances to the opposition.
“He (Kohli) waited for the ball to come to him. He really wasn’t on the front foot all the time. He was willing to cover the infield as well. Against spin, what was good to see in the first half of his innings was that he was playing a lot off the back foot. Then once he got that confidence, he started coming forward. So, starting off the back foot and then gradually going on to the front foot was the plan,” Bangar said on Star Sports.
“When Kohli was in form, his bat used to come from the second or third slip area, allowing him to play more controlled shots. He is a guy who leaves no stone unturned as far as preparation is concerned. He knew that he had to step up (after the Australia tour). He brought that intensity to his game, and one could see it in his body language,” he added.
“What he did well was to watch the ball till the end, till it made contact with his bat. That’s something we discussed – to watch the ball like a hawk and give more than 100% to each delivery. He is hungry for runs and going by the innings he played (against Pakistan), he can easily play for another 3-4 years in international cricket,” said Bangar.
India beat Pakistan by six wickets and have qualified for the semi-final. They’ll play against New Zealand on Sunday for their last league stage match to decide which team finishes on top of the table.
