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'If he feels that playing...' - Anil Kumble's blunt take on Virat Kohli's unusual dismissal in 2nd Test match vs NZ

Talking about his dismissal and current form on Sports18, former India bowler Anil Kumble said Kohli could have played domestic matches before coming in for the series. 

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Arunima Purohit
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Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli (Source: X)

Virat Kohli played a terrific knock in the 1st Test match against New Zealand but failed to perform in the 2nd Test match. He was dismissed in an unusual manner, which shocked the entire country. Kohli couldn't understand Santner's low full-toss ball and went to hit it but eventually was bowled. Talking about his dismissal and current form on Sports18, former India bowler Anil Kumble said Kohli could have played domestic matches before coming in for the series. 

"Perhaps just one or two innings in a match situation could have helped. Being in an actual game is definitely more beneficial than just practice; it gives an upper hand. If he feels that playing earlier would have benefited him, and the team management agrees, then maybe it would have. However, I don't think we can look at that as the only reason for his struggles against spin," said Anil Kumble.

Moreover, Kohli's struggle against spin continued as Santner dismissed him. He still has one more inning and a few more matches to prove the critics wrong. 

Even the best modern-day batters find these situations tricky: Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble opened up about India's batters and their struggle against spin. He made it clear that the batters were struggling against spin, along with the modern-day batters. Now, the spin tracks and the conditions change as well, which adds impact to the wicket. 

"When he's come to the crease, the pitches have often favoured spin, which is a significant factor. His challenges against spin at the start of his innings haven't been solely due to mindset but also conditions that aided spinners. This contributed to the dismissals of Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli to the left-arm spin of Glenn Phillips, who was brought on as a strategic move. Even the best modern-day batters find these situations tricky," said Anil Kumble.

Virat Kohli India vs New Zealand
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