Kohli’s Vulnerability Outside Off Stump Draws Attention; Kaif Questions India’s Strategy Against Travis Head

 Virat Kohli’s long-standing struggle with deliveries outside the off stump came under scrutiny ahead of the Gabba Test, with former India batter Mohammed Kaif highlighting the issue. Kaif questioned why Indian bowlers couldn’t exploit Travis Head’s weaknesses in a similar manner to how Australian bowlers have consistently targeted Kohli.

Kohli's dismissals against pacers have followed a troubling pattern in recent years. Away-going deliveries outside the off stump have frequently undone the Indian stalwart, raising questions about his technique and decision-making. While earlier the issue was attributed to his stance at the batting crease, experts now suggest that Kohli’s forward press has become a significant factor.

Kaif noted that even a bowler like Scott Boland, who is not a regular in the Australian XI, understands Kohli's vulnerabilities. "Boland plays only two or three Test matches a year, but he knows exactly how to get Kohli out. Just pitch it outside the off stump; Kohli will fiddle with it, nick it, and get caught behind. This is an open secret," Kaif remarked in a video shared on his social media channels.

Kohli’s struggles were evident during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In Perth, he succumbed to a delivery that bounced awkwardly and took the gloves in the first innings—a ball that, while challenging, wasn’t unplayable by Kohli's standards. His forward press, which left him with insufficient time to adjust, was cited as the primary issue.

In the second innings, Kohli showcased his prowess with a stunning century, his 30th in Test cricket, taking full advantage of the tiring Australian bowlers. However, the problem resurfaced in the Adelaide day-night Test. Both innings saw Kohli dismissed by good-length deliveries outside the off stump, once again guilty of committing to the front foot too early.

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar defended Kohli, emphasizing that a player with 30 Test centuries knows how to bat. Yet, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden highlighted the importance of decision-making, a sentiment underscored by Kohli’s alignment with the line of the ball during his successful second innings in Perth.

Kaif expressed disappointment that Indian bowlers failed to exploit Travis Head’s weaknesses with the same precision as Australia’s bowlers did with Kohli. "If Boland knows how to trap Kohli, why can’t we do the same for Travis Head? If his weakness is outside the off-stump, why don’t we consistently bowl there?"

He stressed the importance of planning and execution. "Every batsman has weaknesses. You need to attack from the first ball and make a fixed plan to exploit those weaknesses. Only then can you dismiss them effectively," Kaif added.

Kaif remained optimistic about India’s chances in the upcoming Gabba Test, calling for the team to focus on strategy and execution. "This Australian team isn’t invincible. We won the first match; they played well to win the second. Now, with the series tied 1–1, I believe the Indian team can make a strong comeback at the Gabba."

As the series intensifies, the spotlight will remain on Kohli’s technique and whether India can recalibrate their bowling strategy to turn the tables on the hosts.