IND v AUS 2023: “Be a little more aggressive against spin,” Irfan Pathan’s suggestion to Virat Kohli ahead of Test series

Kohli’s spin game has become a topic of discussion lately.

By Salman Anjum - 03 Feb, 2023

India are all set to host Australia in a four-match Test series, starting February 9 in Nagpur. The series will be crucial in determining the top two spots in the World Test Championship.

Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has advised Virat Kohli to be more aggressive against spin.

Kohli’s spin game has become a topic of discussion lately as he no longer dominates the tweakers like he used to in his peak years.

“One thing he will be keeping in his mind is how he’s going to be countering the spin of Lyon as well as Agar. Because he has been struggling against spin specially and I think one thing he can do personally as well is to try and be a little more aggressive, because I think the strike rate against spin has come down as well," Pathan said in a Star Sports show.

Australia have picked Nathan Lyon, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Swepson, and uncapped Todd Murphy as spin-bowling options in the 18-member squad for the India tour.

"I know we are talking about Test cricket here, but sometimes he must be slightly more aggressive against spin, it might make you better in that encounter when you’re actually facing guys like Nathan Lyon who is outstanding with his spin, extra bounce and he gets that ball moving away from the right-hander as well. So, I think that’s one thing he should keep in mind,” Pathan added.

During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023, Delhi (February 17-21), Dharamshala (March 1-5) and Ahmedabad (March 9-13) will also host Test matches.

By Salman Anjum - 03 Feb, 2023

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