In a post-match discussion on ‘Match Centre Live,’ JioCinema and Sports18 expert Anil Kumble shared his thoughts on Virat Kohli’s performance on Day 3 of the 1st Test between India and New Zealand: “The sweep shot is something he’s added to his repertoire, and that’s what great players do. The spinners didn’t allow him to settle in early on, and he was a bit circumspect—that’s what caused that nibble he had to play against the left-arm spinner early on. But as soon as he stepped out and hit that six, he opened up. From then onwards, he played his shots against the fast bowlers—the cover drive, the straight drive—and looked to take singles and doubles. That’s what Virat Kohli does, and sitting there with nine thousand-plus runs is a fantastic achievement for someone who started thirteen years ago. To be among the greats, I’m sure he’ll be proud of these achievements.”
Kumble also spoke about Sarfaraz Khan’s performance: “He’s been brilliant. He’s been very consistent in the domestic format, and he was obviously disappointed when he didn’t get picked after that wonderful season a couple of years ago with the Indian team. Against Bangladesh, he didn’t get an opportunity, so he went back and played for Mumbai, scoring a double hundred in the Irani Trophy. Today, you could see why he scores so heavily in the domestic format. He’s someone who loves to play unorthodox shots and unsettles the bowlers. The fast bowlers think they can rattle him with short-pitched deliveries, but he’s adapted to that—he uses the pace of the bowler. Despite his stature—short, not really tall—he can go over point and is very nimble on his feet.”
Kumble further analyzed how Sarfaraz tackles spinners and utilizes the cut shot: “I don’t think he allows any spinner to bowl at him. Against spinners, he stands slightly deeper in the crease. Since he’s not really tall and doesn’t move much, as a spinner you’re tempted to bowl quicker and try to get him LBW. On this surface, with the odd ball keeping low, you think you have a chance of getting him out. But he uses his lack of movement to his advantage—standing slightly outside the off-stump, using the pace, and just tapping the ball. That’s his strength. Once he does that, spinners feel they should bowl fuller, and that plays into his hands. That’s exactly what he’s done today, especially against Ajaz Patel.”
Catch all the live action from the IDFC FIRST Bank Test Series 2024 – India vs New Zealand (1st Test) – Day 4 on October 19, 2024, Saturday, 9:30 AM onwards, LIVE & Exclusive on JioCinema, Sports18 – 1 (HD & SD), and Colors Cineplex (HD & SD)
