NEW DELHI: Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar wants Virat Kohli to ‘settle his mind’ and not over do things in practice ahead of India’s crucial match against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday.
Kohli, who has recently faced challenges against spin bowling in ODI cricket, spent extended hours practicing against spinners in the nets on Saturday, arriving earlier than his teammates.
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Following Kohli’s dismissal by Bangladesh spinner Rishad Hossain in the opening match, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar had expressed worry about Kohli’s current form.
“When you (Kohli) are slightly out of form and runs, you think of practising too much and thinking too much… sometimes (you) just over do it. Just keep hitting the balls in the nets. It’s more of mind thing (and) not (just) about (the) batting technique,” said JioHotstar expert Manjrekar in a virtual interaction.
“He is going through a difficult time, and has (had) some technical issues… in the last match he lacked confidence but he is trying his best. He just needs to settle his mind a little bit without trying too hard, and go out there with a relaxed mind,” Manjrekar added.
Manjrekar also commented on Rishabh Pant’s ‘sorry situation’ as India continue with KL Rahul as their wicketkeeper-batter.
“India were pretty good (against Bangladesh), most boxes got ticked. I don’t see drastic changes if the pitch is doesn’t demand. Kuldeep (Yadav) needs a little more game time. Rahul got some runs, so I don’t think any new wicketkeeper-batter is going to replace him,” he said.
“Till Rahul is contributing, Pant will stay out but Pant is rare talent for India. It’s a sorry situation for him.”
Manjrekar expressed confidence in India’s chances against Pakistan, provided their opponents improve their performance.
“India is looking really good. Pakistan’s bowling didn’t make an impression on me, the spinners didn’t improve, Shaheen (Shah Afridi) needs to lift his game. They need a little bit of tweaking here and there. Pakistan has to raise their game by leaps and by bounds to win,” he said.
Manjrekar praised opener Shubman Gill’s performance, who scored an unbeaten 101 runs against Bangladesh.
“The form he is in, I (have) already predicted that he will become player of the tournament,” he said.
