“Everybody knows that Virat Kohli doesn’t play the sweep shot very often”, Sanjay Bangar on Kohli’s approach against spin in upcoming important matches.

Former Team India batting coach, Sanjay Bangar, recently discussed the playing style of senior batsman Virat Kohli in relation to countering spinners. Bangar noted that Kohli tends to avoid using the sweep shot frequently against spin bowlers, a strategy that hasn’t gone unnoticed by opposing teams.

Commenting on Kohli’s batting approach during Day 3 of India’s preparations for the Asia Cup 2023, Bangar mentioned that the experienced player intends to exploit the area between mid-wicket and square leg to accumulate runs when facing spin bowling.

Having closely collaborated with Kohli in the past, Bangar observed that the batter’s performance has seen substantial improvement since he chose to reduce his backlift. This adaptation has evidently contributed to enhancing Kohli’s overall gameplay.

Bangar said “From the visuals that I have seen, it is very clear that Virat Kohli is targeting the mid-wicket region. We saw him play some big shots and sweep. Everybody knows that Kohli doesn’t play the sweep shot very often, so the field is set accordingly. He also played a lot of backfoot shots, using the depth of the crease.”

He moreover added “Virat Kohli has been using his feet very well lately. There is a reason behind this improvement. There was a phase in between where he played with a high or a pre-loaded backlift. He is now playing bat tap, which is very helpful in judging the length of the ball. This is why his shot-making has become so brilliant.”