ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Anil Kumble urges Virat Kohli to emulate Rohit Sharma’s freedom to regain form
Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India cricketer and head coach Anil Kumble has urged star batter Virat Kohli to take inspiration from Rohit Sharma’s approach to bounce back to form. Kohli’s struggles continued as he was dismissed for 22 off 38 balls during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh in Dubai.
Kohli looked uneasy against spin, falling to Rishad Hossain while attempting a cut shot, marking his sixth consecutive dismissal to spin in ODIs. Kumble believes Kohli is trying too hard and needs to play with the same freedom as Rohit Sharma.
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"I think he's trying a bit too hard. You can see that in the way he is going about his innings. He just needs to not worry about it. Rohit Sharma comes in there, has the freedom because there is plenty of batting and all of them are in great form. Similarly for Virat, he just needs to come in and not worry about anything else," Kumble said on ESPNCricinfo.
Kumble further suggested that Kohli should ease the pressure on himself and focus on playing naturally.
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"All players go through tough moments in their career, but I get a feeling watching him bat, I think he is putting a lot more pressure on himself. He just needs to relax a little bit and not worry too much about the outcome of what happens on the field rather than just go out there and have the freedom to just go and play naturally, what he does really well," he added.
Since 2024, Kohli has managed only 137 runs in six innings at an average of 22.83, with just one half-century. He will be eager to regain his form in India’s high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, February 23, in Dubai.
Kohli has an exceptional record against Pakistan, amassing 678 runs in 16 innings at an average of 52.15, including three centuries and two fifties. His performance will be crucial as India aims to continue their winning momentum in the tournament.
