IND vs AUS: Former Indian bowling coach Arun Bharat recalls how Virat Kohli was stunned by a bowler

Ali Khusen February 5, 2023 2 min read

The Indian cricket team will have a tough job as they take on mighty Australia in the first Test match on February 9. Former skipper Virat Kohli is said to be aware that it would be up to him to play long and effective strokes for the team in the absence of dashing batsman Shreyas Iyer.

Australia would feel they have a golden opportunity to end the 19-year drought; last time they showed a lot of fighting spirit but couldn’t capitalize on a 1-0 lead. The visitors have a formidable batting line-up where the resurgence of Usman Khawaja has given them stability at the top of the table.

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Arun Bharat on Virat Kohli

Arun Bharat interacted with Cricbuzz and recalled an incident in the 2018 South Africa Test Series.

“We went to South Africa about 10 days early. We had a central wicket practice. And Virat was so impressed with Bumrah. I vividly remember that after playing him, Virat came to Ravi and said, ‘Ravi bhai, sabse mushkil hai isko khelna. Mujhe pata nehi lag raha hai kab woh release kar raha hai (Ravi, he was the hardest bowler to defy. I couldn’t figure out when he releases the ball)… and I choose him a fraction later than the other bowlers. ” said Bharat Arun.

IPL 2023 | Indian national cricket team | IND vs AUS 2023 | India vs Australia 2023

Jasprit Bumrah an asset

The fans would hope that Jasprit Bumrah is available for the 3rd and 4th test match, who is currently tending to his back injury. Bumrah’s specialty is his ability to break through the team at crucial moments in the game and over the years he has been the go to bowler for his captain.

Head Coach Rahul Dravid & Skipper Rohit Sharma may have to use horses for courses. There are reports suggesting that Ishan Kishan could win KS Bharat for the first test match despite KS Bharat being with the team for a few years.

Also Read: IND vs AUS: “They will be remembered by generations to come like Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid” – Saba Karim on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli