Ian Chappell pointed out the reason behind Kohli’s failure in the slips

Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell pointed out some of the faults in Indian Test Captain Virat Kohli’s catching at slips. Chappell made his analysis and assessment based on various fielding flaws in his column for the Hindustan Times.

He started off with the analysis of the Lords pitch which offered some kind of support for the spinners. According to him, the batting on display was quite moderate whereas the catching was appalling. He said that, despite having some great fielding at the outfield and in the 30-yard circle, the close catching ability is technically lacking.

Chappell explained the technical problems with dropping catches behind the wickets: “Most of the dropped catches behind the wicket are the result of one simple technical flaw; the failure to slightly turn the foot outwards, to the side on which the ball is travelling before making the next move. Without this simple manoeuvre, the fielder will be off-balance when attempting to complete a catch.”

Chappell said that Virat is a high-quality batsman, with excellent hand-eye coordination which should automatically make him a good fielder, but however, pointed out Kohli’s failure in the slips is because of the technical flaw highlighted above and the lack of anticipation in leg-slip position when spinners are operating.

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“I watched in amazement as Garry Sobers – fielding at leg-slip for South Australia – calculated that a Victorian batsman was purely blocking the last over before lunch. Choosing his moment perfectly, he stepped forward, placed his hand on the ground and the ball was played straight into his mit,” Chappell wrote in his column to Hindustan Times.

He said that India’s Eknath Solkar was equally good but also added that it’s a pity that Solkar isn’t there to teach and guide Kohli. “Sobers was one of the best in that position but he had an equal in India’s Eknath Solkar. Solkar was exceedingly brave in the short-leg position and would’ve made an excellent pick pocket; he stood so close without you feeling his presence.”