IND Vs BAN: Here’s What Virat Kohli Told The Net Bowler Who Dismissed Him Twice In Kanpur

Virat Kohli, the backbone of India’s batting lineup, has been facing an extended rough patch, a phase that has unfortunately carried into the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. Following his underwhelming performance in the first Test, where he failed to make a substantial contribution with the bat, Kohli’s woes have now extended to the practice sessions ahead of the second Test in Kanpur. In a rather surprising turn of events, Kohli found himself being outclassed by a young, relatively unknown net bowler from Lucknow named Jamshed Alam, who bowled with notable pace and dismissed the Indian maestro not once but twice.

Jamshed Alam: The Net Bowler Who Made Kohli Sweat

During the practice session on the eve of the second Test, 22-year-old Jamshed Alam, a local fast bowler from Lucknow, had the rare opportunity to bowl to one of the modern-day greats of cricket. Alam, part of the net bowling squad, bowled a total of 24 deliveries to Virat Kohli, consistently maintaining speeds of around 135 kmph, which troubled the star batsman. The Kanpur practice pitch, unlike its reputation for favoring spinners, offered some bounce and lateral movement to the seamers, creating challenging conditions for Kohli.

What transpired next was a dream come true for Alam, as he dismissed Kohli not just once, but twice during the practice session. This accomplishment marked a special moment for the young pacer, who had never imagined he would outfox one of the world’s greatest batsmen. Kohli, ever the sportsman, acknowledged Alam’s efforts, which made the moment even more unforgettable for the young bowler.

Virat Kohli’s Gesture: A Memorable Interaction

For Alam, the day became even more memorable when Virat Kohli not only complimented him on his bowling but also engaged in a brief conversation that will likely be etched in the young pacer’s memory forever. Speaking about his interaction with Kohli, Alam revealed how the Indian batting legend asked him his age and encouraged him to keep working hard on his game. “Virat Kohli told me, ‘Well bowled bhai, kitne saal ke ho?’ (How old are you?),” Alam shared, adding that Kohli’s words of advice, “mehnat karte raho” (keep working hard), inspired him.

Alam’s performance in the nets was not just a personal triumph; it was also an indicator of the depth of talent available in India’s cricketing system. The Lucknow bowler, like many others who get opportunities to bowl in the nets against international stars, gained invaluable experience from his interaction with Kohli, and it is moments like these that can propel young cricketers to the next level.

Kohli’s Form: Cause for Concern or Temporary Blip?

Virat Kohli’s ongoing struggles have been a major talking point in Indian cricket for some time now. After dominating world cricket for over a decade, the former Indian captain has found himself in an unusual slump, particularly in the longest format of the game. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, Kohli has not been able to recapture the consistency that once made him the most feared batsman in the world.

In the first Test against Bangladesh, Kohli’s struggles were once again evident as he failed to convert his starts into big scores. The fact that he was troubled in the nets by a relatively unknown bowler adds another layer of concern for the Indian camp. While Kohli remains a player of immense class and pedigree, the continued lack of runs raises questions about whether this is just a temporary dip in form or a sign of a deeper issue.

India’s Preparation: Focus on Pace in Kanpur

As India geared up for the second Test in Kanpur, the team management opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision influenced by the overcast conditions and the possibility of early assistance for the pacers. Despite Kanpur’s reputation for favoring spinners, the weather and pitch conditions prompted India to back their pace attack to make early inroads into the Bangladeshi batting lineup.

The net practice session, which saw bowlers like Alam extract bounce and movement, hinted at the kind of challenge Bangladesh could face in the Test. India’s decision to stick with the same playing XI from the first Test, which included a potent pace trio, underscored their confidence in using the seam-friendly conditions to their advantage.

However, there was some disappointment among local fans as Kuldeep Yadav, the chinaman bowler from Kanpur, was once again left out of the playing XI. Calls for his inclusion were strong, especially considering his impressive performance in the recent past, but the team management chose to retain the combination that delivered a commanding win in the first Test.

Jamshed Alam: A Name to Watch for the Future

Jamshed Alam’s rise to prominence after his performance against Kohli in the nets could well be the start of something special. Bowling at speeds of 135 kmph consistently and dismissing a player of Kohli’s caliber not once but twice is no small feat, especially for a young fast bowler still trying to make a name for himself.

Alam’s ability to generate pace and movement on a pitch not typically known for assisting fast bowlers caught the attention of the Indian camp and raised hopes of him breaking into the domestic circuit. For many young cricketers like Alam, opportunities to bowl in the nets against international stars are often stepping stones to greater recognition and selection for higher levels of competition.

With Kohli’s words of encouragement still fresh in his mind, Alam is likely to take this experience as motivation to push harder in his pursuit of a professional cricketing career. Given his potential, it wouldn’t be surprising if Alam’s name crops up again in the future, either in the Ranji Trophy or even in the IPL.

The Second Test: India’s Strategy for Victory

As the second Test in Kanpur got underway following a one-hour rain delay, India’s decision to bowl first underscored their desire to capitalize on the favorable conditions. Having already secured a comprehensive 280-run victory in the first Test, India entered the second match with confidence, eager to wrap up the series and maintain their dominant run in home conditions.

For Bangladesh, the challenge would be to put up a much-improved performance with the bat, especially against India’s potent bowling attack. The conditions in Kanpur, which could offer assistance to the pacers in the early stages, meant that the opening session would be crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the match.

India’s bowling unit, led by the likes of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, would be key in exploiting any help the pitch offers, while the spinners—Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja—would come into play as the match progresses. With the series on the line, India’s goal would be to strike early and keep Bangladesh under constant pressure, while Kohli would be hoping to turn his form around with a strong performance in the second Test.

Kohli’s Struggles and India’s Path to Victory

Virat Kohli’s ongoing struggles with the bat have been a focal point in Indian cricket over the past few months, and his difficulties against Jamshed Alam in the nets are a reflection of the challenges he has faced. However, Kohli’s class and experience mean that he is never far from turning things around, and India will be hoping that he finds his rhythm sooner rather than later.

As for Jamshed Alam, his memorable performance in the nets will undoubtedly boost his confidence and could open doors for him in the future. For now, though, the focus shifts to the second Test, where India’s decision to bowl first and capitalize on the conditions will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match. With Bangladesh looking to level the series, an intriguing contest is set to unfold in Kanpur.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/