CT 2017: Virat Kohli practices with taped red ball to counter swing

Team India skipper Virat Kohli is renowned for taking that extra yard needed to be fit for the big occasions. He has made it a habit to ensure that he has all his bases covered before heading into any game that he plays. Kohli is someone who puts the hard inches in the gym as well. He takes his fitness very seriously. The most recent of his efforts in the practice sessions was using the taped red ball.

Traditionally, the venues are England have been conducive to swing bowling. It is the swing that often ends up disrupting the batsman’s rhythm. The same was evident in the most recent ODI fixture between England and South Africa. Team England was seen struggling at 20/6 in 5 overs in the match. Needless to say, it was the swing that wreaked havoc on the day.

Do not be surprised to see something like that happen in the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy too. Indian skipper Virat Kohli is certainly someone who is taking precautionary measures for situations such as these. Recently, at the team net sessions at the Oval, Kohli was seen practicing with the red ball. This comes as a surprise despite the fact that the Champions Trophy is a white ball affair.

Red ball swing more, extended sessions for Kedar, Rohit

The reason perceived for this is pretty much clear. The red ball is often more prone to swing than the white ball. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the Indian skipper was trying to cover all his bases before heading into the tournament. Batting coach Sanjay Bangar was seen having good throw downs at Virat Kohli in the practice session. On the personal front, Kohli has not tasted much success in the English conditions.

Apart from Kohli, batsmen Rohit Sharma and Kedar Jadhav were also seen having an extended batting session. Both players had arrived late in England and hence got an extended session.