‘He must be disappointed by his dismissals in this series’ – Former Indian opener on Virat Kohli’s outings in New Zealand series

Wasim Jaffer, a former Indian batter, reckons that Virat Kohli would not be happy with the way that he was dismissed in India’s ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. The star player was dismissed by Mitchell Santner in both games, underlining his recurring issues with spin bowling.

In the first game of the series in Hyderabad, a delivery that held its line defeated Kohli. The former India skipper has struggled with his ability to judge the length early and modify his feet appropriately. He unexpectedly veered off course in the second ODI and was defeated by flight and turn before being stumped by Tom Latham.

I expect Kohli to make a good comeback in the third ODI: Wasim Jaffer

“Virat Kohli must be disappointed by his dismissals in this series. He has been struggling to play leg-spin for quite a while now whether it be Adil Rashid or Adam Zampa, and now he has gone out to left-arm spin of Mitchell Santner two matches in a row.” Jaffer was quoted as saying on ESPNcricinfo.

Kohli had a difficult time against Bangladesh in December 2022, which contrasts with the home season during which he has been steadily adding runs. Throughout the ODIs and Tests against Bangladesh, Taijul Islam and Shakib Al Hasan both caused problems for Kohli.

In the first two games of the New Zealand series, Kohli scored 19 runs. He was in excellent form coming into the series after smashing two hundred in the three-match series against Sri Lanka. Considering that their next task is the vital Border-Gavaskar Trophy match against Australia, it is crucial that Kohli recovers his rhythm in the following ODI.

“I expect Kohli to make a good comeback in the third ODI keeping the big picture in mind. Australia is touring soon and they have a solid bowling unit with Nathan Lyon also there. So, the expectation is always there from him to score runs and do well,” the former cricketer asserted.

On Tuesday, January 24, in Indore, the series’ penultimate one-day international will take place between India and New Zealand. It should be mentioned that if the home side prevails in the rubber match, they will be declared the best ODI team in the world.