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

Senior India batter Virat Kohli started the Australia series with a phenomenal century in the first Test in Perth. Since then, he has struggled to find a rhythm as the Australian pacers have troubled him with the outside off-stump line. In an attempt to improve, the cricketer was spotted advising Akash Deep and Harshit Rana to bowl in the same line in the practice sessions as he aims to better in leaving those deliveries rather than attempting to play a cover drive. 

Meanwhile, ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Kohli addressed the issue and noted that the last couple of innings didn’t go as per his plans and that he wasn’t disciplined in the middle. He highlighted that the conditions are different than it was the last time and added that he needs to step up, adapt and stay in there to help the team by playing a better brand of cricket. 

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“The last two or three innings hasn’t gone the way I wanted to. As I said, haven’t been disciplined enough to stick in there and, you know, really grind it out. And that’s what the challenge that Test Cricket brings. Obviously, these pitches are much more livelier than the last time that we played here. So, there’s a different approach that’s required,” Kohli said while speaking to Ravi Shastri before the start of Day 1.

“But that’s something that I’ve taken a lot of pride in to go out there and counter different conditions and step up when the team wants me to or needs me to. So, yeah, the idea is to get stuck in, as I said. Go in there, get your eyes set in, and play enough balls that you start playing a game afterwards, but respect the conditions foremost. Team point of view, they’ll be in a good shape of mind,” the 36-year-old added.

The idea is just follow the game plan that I have: Kohli

The star India batter also acknowledged that there are some expectations from him but he isn’t focused on that and wants to just follow his game plan. Kohli wants to stay disciplined in the middle and change his mindset according to the demands of the game.

“The idea is just to follow the game plan that I have. Just stay very disciplined in my approach. Just understand the situation of the game. That’s something that’s brought me success over so many years. And really focus on what the team needs from me out there. If there’s, you know, I walk in early, then it’s a different situation. If there’s a partnership, then to capitalize and stretch that good period for the team. So, I think it’s just looking at situations and making sure you have your own game plan set,” he added.