As India gears up for the third One Day International against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, former national pacer Irfan Pathan has shared some key advice for star batsman Virat Kohli. Kohli, who has unfortunately registered two ducks in the series so far, faces his final opportunity to make a significant impact in this ODI series.
Pathan emphasized the critical need for Kohli to focus on strike rotation and consistently keep the scoreboard ticking. “Once he starts doing that,” Pathan explained, “it becomes incredibly difficult for any opposition to contain him.” He expressed optimism, hoping Kohli quickly finds his rhythm, piles on runs, and then, “there’s no looking back for him.”
This upcoming match offers Kohli a prime opportunity to finish the series strongly and contribute substantially to India’s score. The SCG holds special significance for the prolific batsman, being a ground where he has delivered many match-winning performances on Australian soil in the past.
Meanwhile, former India cricketer Abhishek Nayar turned the spotlight onto India’s pace attack, underscoring their crucial role in the decisive ODI.
Nayar urged the fast bowlers to capitalize on the assistance available on Australian pitches, stating, “They need to make full use of the conditions and show that in their performances.” He specifically called for Indian pacers, especially with the new ball, to “strike early and make that impact.”
In the series thus far, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh have collectively accounted for six of India’s eleven wickets, with Mohammed Siraj adding one to the tally. Arshdeep has been the standout pacer, claiming three wickets at an average of 24.00, compared to Rana’s two wickets at 43.00, and Siraj’s solitary wicket at 70.
Adding another strategic dimension, ex-India cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra suggested that India could greatly benefit from deploying a spinner in Sydney, given the traditionally spin-friendly nature of the pitch.
Chopra argued that “Three fast bowlers might not be needed in Sydney,” explaining that it’s “generally a spin-friendly pitch.” He highlighted Kuldeep Yadav’s past success at the venue, noting, “Kuldeep Yadav enjoys bowling here; it is a big ground, and you can use that to your advantage in the middle overs.” Chopra’s advice was clear: “India should play Kuldeep and look to exploit the middle overs phase, creating wicket-taking opportunities and pressure through spin.”
Kuldeep boasts an impressive record at the SCG, having secured eight wickets across various formats, including a memorable five-wicket haul during the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His inclusion could prove pivotal in delivering crucial breakthroughs for India during the middle overs of the game.
Virat Kohli is set to play his final ODI Down Under on Saturday in Sydney. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)