Former Australia batter Ricky Ponting wants Virat Kohli to take a leaf out of Sachin Tendulkar’s book. Speaking after the 2nd Test match in Adelaide where Kohli got out for 7 and 11 respectively, Gilchrist said that Virat Kohli might be better off playing the patience game.
Kohli has gotten out thrice this series edging the ball behind the stumps. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Gilchrist said that Kohli should have a look at Sachin Tendulkar’s knock in Sydney back in 2004, where the batter did not hit a single shot through the cover as he had been edging the ball outside off stump in the build up to that game.
“The biggest battle, is not with what’s coming towards you from the bowler or the skill of the opposition, it’s more about battle between your ears. So, not suggesting that Virat scrambled any sense, but maybe he’s got to try and hone in on what Sachin Tendulkar did at the SCG. And say ‘right he’d say, right, I’m not gonna go chase anything outside off stump. You come to me.’ You just play the patience game,” Adam Gilchrist said on Cricbuzz after the 2nd Test match.
“He’s got enough experience under his belt to know that he’s mentally tough. He’s carried the weight of expectation since U-19 level, entering the IPL and becoming the icon that is. He should be able to say to himself, I’m going to do what’s within my capacity to do the best thing for the team and if it’s a long patient game, so be it. If you play long enough, you’re probably gonna have to evolve with different ways and this might be an opportunity for Virat to do that,” he further added.
IND vs AUS, 2nd Test: Highlights | Full Scorecard
SACHIN TENDULKAR’S SCG KNOCK
Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 241 against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the 2003-04 Test series is one of the most memorable and strategically brilliant innings in cricket history. This knock was significant not only for its volume of runs but also for the extraordinary discipline and control Tendulkar exhibited.
Prior to this match, Tendulkar had been struggling with his form, particularly against deliveries pitched outside the off stump. He had been dismissed repeatedly while attempting his trademark cover drive, a shot that had been a cornerstone of his batting but had become his downfall in the series. Determined to turn things around, Tendulkar made a bold and pragmatic decision: he chose to refrain from playing a single cover drive throughout the innings.
IND vs AUS, 2nd Test: Match Report
This strategy was both daring and effective. By avoiding his natural instinct to play the cover drive, Tendulkar nullified the Australian bowlers’ primary plan to dismiss him. The Australian attack, which included formidable bowlers like Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, and Nathan Bracken, had been exploiting Tendulkar’s weakness outside the off stump, but his new approach denied them this avenue.
Instead, Tendulkar focused on accumulating runs through leg-side strokes, flicks, and precise placements. He faced 436 balls and scored 241 runs, including 33 fours, without once succumbing to the temptation of playing a cover drive. This masterclass in patience, technique, and temperament wore down the Australian bowling attack and helped India amass a massive total of 705/7 declared.
Tendulkar’s innings was pivotal in securing a draw for India in the match, and he was awarded the “Player of the Match” for his outstanding performance. This knock remains a testament to Tendulkar’s ability to adapt and evolve his game under pressure, showcasing his mental fortitude and tactical acumen at the highest level of cricket.
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