Known to always lead from the front, Virat Kohli is a no less than a monster when it comes to limited-overs cricket. His numbers are simply phenomenal and are second to none. But in the recently concluded five-match ODI series against Australia, the Indian skipper didn't quite match his extraordinary standards which he has set for himself everytime he steps on the field carrying the blade in his hand.
However, former India opener Virender Sehwag feels it is just a matter of time before the Indian run machine will regain his classic form in limited-overs cricket. Speaking on India TV's hugely popular "Cricket Ki Baat" show, Sehwag said: "If we take into account the factor of the law of averages than these things tend to happen in cricket. So it's just a matter of a few games and there is nothing wrong with Kohli's form."
Sehwag also added, "We all should look forward to the upcoming series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka where we can expect Virat to score big runs again for India. He is a champion player and knowing his capabilities, he'll soon score a big hundred for his team."
On being asked about the drop in the level of intensity in Kohli's batting post captaincy, Sehwag simply dismissed any such rumours and felt it is his captaincy which has helped the 28-year old batsman to be more consistent at the highest level.
Sehwag said: "I personally think Virat's intensity has increased after becoming captain of India. While commentating, we have seen the stats of Virat which speaks in itself about his calibre, his numbers have been phenomenal after taking over the role of the Indian team's skipper."
Sehwag also stressed on the fact that it is important for Kohli to be less aggressive in his batting as he is known to play risk-free and safe cricket which has been a trademark of his skills. Sehwag believes if Kohli wants to be more consistent with the bat, he needs to curb down his aggression to maintain his good form.
Kohli managed to score 180 runs in five matches against Australia - an ordinary outing for a player of his standard. The Indian captain twice got dismissed by Australian pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile while trying to middle the ball at third man to steal a single, whereas, he was twice being caught in the deep attempting a pre-meditated hoick to clear the ropes.
"Earlier, Virat has shown no urgency to play towards third-man, in this series he has tried such shots which have not been his strengths in the past. He should have converted his 92 at Edens into a big score as he was set at that time and playing brilliantly," Sehwag said.
The Najafagarh-born batsman also cited the example of his former opening partner and batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and said: "Tendulkar always used to tell that we should never throw away our wicket while trying a single. If we threw our wicket for a single or through a run-out than it means we are not putting any price behind our scalp. It's better to play a dot ball or wait for the loose delivery, we should always learn to value our wicket."
