Amid the highly-anticipated clash between India and England in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the tale has a surprising twist. Modern-day batting great Virat Kohli, known for his prolific run-scoring, was spotted honing his bowling skills in the nets.
Before delving into Kohli’s newfound role, it’s important to acknowledge India’s impressive performance in the World Cup. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue have been unstoppable, securing five consecutive victories. They’ve triumphed over formidable opponents like Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. However, the Kiwis provided India with a real test, demonstrating the competitive nature of the tournament.
Amidst India’s exceptional run, concern looms over the team. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya suffered an ankle injury during the clash with Bangladesh, sidelining him for the subsequent fixture against New Zealand. Reports suggest that Pandya may have a Grade 1 ligament tear in his ankle, making his availability for future matches uncertain. This injury raises questions about India’s bowling options, as they now rely on five bowlers and six batters.
The twist in this World Cup tale comes from Virat Kohli himself. During an optional training session in Lucknow, Kohli was seen spending considerable time working on his bowling skills. He started with throwdowns at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium and transitioned into a bowling avatar. Kohli bowled to his teammates, including captain Rohit Sharma and the talented Shubman Gill.
Kohli’s decision to fine-tune his bowling skills raises intriguing possibilities. Could he potentially serve as India’s bowling savior in the upcoming games? Relying solely on five bowlers can be risky, as any of them may have an off day. An additional option in Kohli’s medium-pace bowling could provide much-needed flexibility to the Indian bowling attack.
Interestingly, Kohli was also seen completing the over that Hardik Pandya had started but couldn’t finish due to his injury. This willingness to step in when the team needed him most showcases Kohli’s commitment and adaptability, qualities that have defined his career.
Kohli wasn’t the only one trying his hand at bowling during the practice session. Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, primarily known for their batting prowess, took on the role of off-spinners for a brief period. This experimentation highlights India’s focus on adaptability and having multiple skill sets within the team.
With this unexpected turn of events, all eyes will be on the upcoming clash between India and England. Defending champions England will face an Indian team bolstered by Kohli’s newfound bowling skills. The match is scheduled at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on October 29.
