Virat Kohli's struggles against spin in Sri Lanka ODIs leave former Pakistani cricketer shocked: 'Understandable if it happens to Iyer, Dube'

Virat Kohli's performance in the first two ODIs against Sri Lanka has been below par, raising concerns among fans and critics alike. Despite his announcement of retiring from T20Is after the World Cup in June, Kohli has not been able to find his form in the ODIs. Facing difficulties against spinners on challenging tracks in Sri Lanka, Kohli managed to score only 24 and 14 in the first two matches. With India trailing 0-1 in the series, the pressure is mounting on the batting maestro to deliver. This series marks Kohli's first under the leadership of new head coach Gautam Gambhir, but so far, he has failed to make a significant impact with the bat.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed his shock on witnessing a player of Kohli's calibre getting out against spin in back-to-back matches as he feels that the Indian star has not entered the series well prepared.

"A great batsman like Virat Kohli, the world's number one batsman, has been out LBW twice. It's understandable if it happens to Iyer or Dube, but Virat Kohli is Virat Kohli. This means that he is not in practice," Basit said on his YouTube Channel.

Kohli was adjudged LBW in both matches as Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed him in the first match, and his replacement Jeffrey Vandersay got the better of him on Sunday.

Basit also suggested that KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who were not part of the T20I series, also came without practice for the ODI matches on turning tracks.

"It did not seem that this is the batting lineup which rules the world. I feel that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul probably haven't even practiced. These people have come without practice," he added.

The former Pakistan cricketer didn't mince his words while criticising Iyer for his back-to-back failures with bat and advised Gautam Gambhir to pick Rishabh Pant or Riyan Parag who missed the chance in playing XI in the first two matches.

"I don't understand what is Shreyas Iyer going to do with such performances. I think the time has come for Rishabh Pant, Riyan Parag, and Rinku Singh. India's 50-over domestic tournament will be vital for Gautam Gambhir because he will have to take some players from there. If India pick players based on reputation, the results won't be too good in the Champions Trophy," he added.

The third and final match of the series will be played on Wednesday at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo as India would be desperate to bounce back and tie the three-match series.

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