Champions Trophy: Agar Claims Kohli is Uncontainable
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Synopsis
On March 5, Ashton Agar discussed challenges bowlers face against Virat Kohli in ODI cricket. Kohli's ability to rotate the strike and manage the game was praised after his impressive innings of 84 in the Champions Trophy semi-final, demonstrating why he remains a formidable opponent.
Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli showcased exceptional game management.
- His innings included 64 runs from singles and twos.
- Ashton Agar emphasized the difficulty of building pressure on Kohli.
- Kohli's performance was key in India's chase against Australia.
- He is on the brink of matching Sachin Tendulkar's record in ICC knockouts.
New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) Bowlers frequently find it challenging to contain Virat Kohli in ODI cricket, and Australian spinner Ashton Agar attributes this to his unparalleled skill in rotating the strike.
After India's semi-final triumph in the Champions Trophy, Agar referred to Kohli’s innings of 84 as a "masterclass" in game management, emphasizing how his knack for locating gaps and maintaining the momentum makes it almost impossible to exert pressure on him.
"That’s the irritating aspect of bowling to him," Agar remarked on ESPNcricinfo’s Match Day show. "It’s not only the damage he inflicts with boundaries—it’s the inability to build pressure on him. You never truly feel like you’re dominating him unless the ball is turning significantly. And those kinds of pitches are rare in one-day cricket."
Kohli’s score of 84 off 98 balls was pivotal for India as they chased down Australia’s total of 264 with four wickets remaining. More than his strokes, it was his consistent ability to keep the scoreboard ticking that exasperated the Australian bowlers.
Kohli’s innings also showcased his exceptional running between the wickets. Out of his 84 runs, 64 came from singles and twos, proving his talent for keeping the innings flowing without unnecessary risks. Agar pointed out that Kohli’s technique against spin, particularly his precision in placing the ball, makes him one of the toughest batters to bowl to.
"He possesses a remarkable ability to play your best delivery—the top of middle stump, slightly spinning away—by holding the bat face a fraction longer than others do. He adjusts at the last moment and places it in the cover-point gap. He’s arguably the best in the world at that, and it’s incredibly hard to build pressure on him."
Against Australia’s leg-spinners Tanveer Sangha and Adam Zampa, Kohli was relentless, scoring 35 off 33 balls against the duo. Although he ultimately fell to Zampa, his contribution had already set India in a strong position.
For a time, Kohli had faced challenges in rotating the strike against spin, but former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar noted that his footwork and shot selection appeared to be back to form.
"There was a period when he struggled to rotate the strike against spin as effectively as he does against pace. But today’s performance demonstrated that he has overcome that issue," Manjrekar stated. "His ability to play off the back foot and exploit gaps was exemplary in this match."
Former India captain Anil Kumble also commended Kohli for his composure during run chases, highlighting how he simplifies challenging targets.
"He seldom makes a mistake," Kumble remarked. "Especially in run chases, he is completely in command. He handles pressure exceptionally well and never appears flustered."
With this performance, Kohli reinforced his dominance in ICC knockout matches. It marked his third score of over 50 in Champions Trophy semi-finals and his fifth overall in ICC knockout games. He is now just one fifty away from matching Sachin Tendulkar’s record of six scores exceeding 50 in ICC knockouts.
