Wasim Jaffer Critiques Virat Kohli’s Dismissal in India-Pakistan Asia Cup Clash

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has offered insights into Virat Kohli’s dismissal during the high-profile India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2023, highlighting issues with execution that led to Kohli’s early exit.

The eagerly anticipated encounter between India and Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, eventually succumbed to rain, resulting in a no-result. After winning the toss, India chose to bat first and managed to post a competitive total of 266 runs in 48.5 overs. However, the Indian team experienced a shaky start as both Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (4) were dismissed by the impressive Shaheen Afridi.

Jaffer criticizes Kohli’s shot selection

Analyzing Kohli’s dismissal, Wasim Jaffer expressed his thoughts, stating that Kohli’s execution could have been more effective. Kohli attempted to guide a short-of-a-length delivery outside off without adjusting his feet properly, inadvertently dragging the ball back onto his stumps. 

“He tried to play with an angled bat towards third man. The ball stopped a bit and then he got that inside edge. Maybe if he would have played it straighter, the dismissal might not have taken place,” Jaffer remarked.  

What was the risk? 

Jaffer further elaborated on the risk associated with playing with an angled bat when facing deliveries that exhibit swing and seam movement. He explained that in such conditions, playing with an angled bat can be perilous, as there is a higher likelihood of the ball deviating and hitting the stumps. 

“When the ball is coming onto the bat nicely, then you can easily score runs towards third man. But when the ball is moving around, there are chances that it can jag back and hit the stumps. The execution from Virat Kohli was not good,” Jaffer emphasized.

Kohli’s dismissal marked a challenging phase for India, as they subsequently lost Shreyas Iyer for 14 runs and Shubman Gill for 10. However, a crucial fifth-wicket partnership between Ishan Kishan (82 off 81) and Hardik Pandya (87 off 90) revived India’s innings, ultimately helping them reach a competitive total of 266 runs.

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