The Indian Test players landed in West Indies earlier this week and have commenced their net sessions ahead of the 2-Test series against Kraigg Brathwaite’s team. These 2 Tests are important as they carry World Test Championship points; the IND-WI Test series will kick-start the 2023/25 WTC cycle for both India and West Indies.
Leading India in their net session as ever was the energetic Virat Kohli. Interestingly, the former India captain started his net practice by facing both the senior spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin. There seems to be a plan in Virat Kohli’s mind about adding an extra bow to his quiver as the 34-year-old played a rare reverse sweep to R Ashwin, even as Ashwin was bowling from around the wicket and Kohli played him against the turn.
Virat Kohli has, in recent years, faced criticism about his lack of shots options against spinners and his unwillingness to play sweeps and reverse sweeps. He seems to change that, and acknowledge it, adding more to his arsenal.
Watch: Virat Kohli played a rare reverse sweep to R Ashwin in WI Nets
Virat Kohli playing reverse sweep against Ashwin. [OneCricket] pic.twitter.com/IkglMyI86V
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 5, 2023
India’s tour of West Indies will kick-on from July 12 in Dominica followed by the second Test in Trinidad.
Considering Virat Kohli’s lofty standards, he has an ordinary record against the West Indies. In 14 Tests, he has scored 822 runs at an average of 43, which is his second-worst among every opponent he has faced in the long format. Also, he has an average of 35 in West Indies, which is his second-worst among countries he’s played at least 5 Tests in.
In the WTC Final 2023, against Australia, which India lost by over 200 runs, conceding their second consecutive WTC Final loss, Virat Kohli managed scores of 14 and 49.
