The first two ODIs of the three-match series between India and Australia saw Virat Kohli’s bowling line-up struggling again on a dry surface that had plenty to offer for the batsmen, but nothing on the bowlers part.
However, Virat Kohli’s frequent bowling changes during the second ODI was the topic of discussion. While it was Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah who led the attack for India, the former was replaced by Navdeep Saini after just two overs.
He even gave the ball to Mayank Agarwal and Hardik Pandya after the regular bowlers struggled to stop the flow of runs. In the same light, former India pacer Ashish Nehra, while speaking to Cricbuzz, said that Kohli is an impulsive captain, but he needs to figure out when to switch his bowlers.
“In today’s game, Virat Kohli gave two overs to Mohammed Shami and then brought Navdeep Saini. He wanted Shami to bowl from the other end, that I understand, but then, why would he use Jasprit Bumrah for only two overs with the new ball?” said Nehra.
“I agree Virat Kohli is making frequent changes in bowling. He only had five bowling options. India used Mayank Agarwal and Hardik Pandya – it was a decision made on the ground. If things were going in India’s way, you would not have seen these two getting an over,” Nehra stated.
“Virat Kohli is being hasty in his decisions. In the previous game (first ODI) as well, after Kohli was dropped, it seemed like he is in a hurry. Kohli has chased 350 several times in his career, it is not a big deal for him. But it seemed like he was chasing 475, not 375,” the former pacer added.
“I believe, Virat is an impulsive captain. He is making too many changes in his bowling. And this is an area that he needs to take care of,” he concluded.
India have conceded an unassailable 0-2 lead in the three-match series. The third and final ODI will be played at the Manuka Oval, Canberra, on Wednesday, December 2.