‘Haven’t been disciplined enough’- Virat Kohli admits consistency worries ahead of Boxing Day Test

Virat Kohli, the senior batsman for India, opened the Australia series with an incredible century in the first Test match in Perth. The Australian pacers have since affected him with the outside off-stump line, making it difficult for him to establish a rhythm. The cricketer was seen encouraging Harshit Rana and Akash Deep to bowl in the same line during practice sessions in an effort to get better at leaving those deliveries rather than trying to play a cover drive.

Prior to the Boxing Day Test at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, Kohli addressed the matter, stating that he lacked discipline in the middle and that the final two innings didn’t go as planned. He emphasised that the situation is different from the prior time and that he must step up, adjust, and remain in order to support the team by playing a better style of cricket.

“It hasn’t gone the way I wanted it to over the last two or three innings. I haven’t been disciplined enough to persevere and, you know, truly grind it out, as I previously stated. And that is what the test cricket challenge is all about. It goes without saying that these pitches are far livelier than when we played here previously. Therefore, a new strategy is needed,” Kohli stated to Ravi Shastri prior to the commencement of Day 1.

But I’ve always taken great satisfaction in my ability to go out there, overcome various obstacles, and stand up when the team needs or wants me to. So, yes, as I mentioned, the goal is to get started. Enter, focus, and play enough balls to begin playing a game later, but keep the conditions in mind first. From the perspective of the team, they will be in a positive frame of mind,” the 36-year-old continued.

The idea is to just stick to my game plan: Virat Kohli in action

The star batsman for India also admitted that there are some expectations of him, but he isn’t worried about them and just wants to play his game plan. Kohli aims to maintain his composure in the middle and adjust his attitude to the demands of the match.

“Just sticking to my game plan is the idea. Just continue to be extremely rigorous in my approach. Just comprehend the game’s circumstances. I’ve had success with that for a long time. and pay close attention to what the team wants from me. It’s a different matter if, you know, I arrive early. If a collaboration exists, it should be used to extend and capitalise on the team’s favourable time frame. “So, I think it’s just analysing situations and making sure you have your own strategy in place,” he continued.