Virat Kohli may have left his captaincy almost three years ago but his tactical mind just continues to give. Under his leadership, India orchestrated many wins, especially on the back of his famous pace bowling unit. Mohammed Siraj also cropped up to the scene under his leadership and on Day 5 of the Brisbane Test, Kohli showed that he still knows his former RCB pacer the best. The modern-day master had an interesting conversation with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma that was caught up by stump mic.
How Virat Kohli’s plan led to Smith’s downfall
On Day 5 of the third Test at the Gabba during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), the stump mic captured a riveting exchange between Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, and Virat Kohli—an interaction that directly led to the prized wicket of Steve Smith.
As Siraj prepared to bowl to Smith, Rohit, fielding in the slips, questioned Siraj’s decision to bowl from over the stumps. “Where are you bowling from?” he asked. When Siraj replied “over the stumps,” Rohit countered, suggesting it might allow Smith to open up his stance and play more freely.
Virat, always one for backing instinct and aggressive plans, stepped in. “No, no, let him bowl from over the stumps,” Kohli asserted, emphasizing Siraj’s scrambled seam delivery. He instructed Rohit to adjust the field, moving square leg deeper to account for an inswinging delivery, allowing Siraj to attack the stumps. Smith’s struggles against incoming deliveries are a surprise to none. The result? Siraj executed the plan perfectly, trapping Smith and tilting the game further in India’s favor.
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