There is little doubt that the Indian batting hinges on captain Virat Kohli. Yes, Kohli has been in roaring form this year and has been an absolute machine in Australia, but the hosts with their bowling attack can pose a threat to not only him, but the rest of the batting order.
Former Australian Jason Gillespie too acknowledges the fact, but then believes that if the Australian bowlers hit the right areas and dry up Kohli's runs when he first walks out to the centre, it can make their jobs easier of getting him out.
"You need to be switched on from ball one. Because if Kohli has faced 20-odd balls and he has got more than 10-15 runs, he usually gets a significant score. And that is why it is so crucial to impact early. There cannot be any warm-up deliveries against Kohli. Don't allow him to get going by giving him an easy shot — a half-volley, a tuck off the hip, a cut shot," Gillespie told ESPNCricinfo.
Gillespie also believed that it became imperative not to relax when Kohli was new at the crease and that the Australian bowlers should force him to play expansive strokes to get his innings going as they will increase their chances of getting his wicket.
'Make him earn his runs'
"If he is going to score runs, make him earn them, make him play really good shots, and make him take a risk. That applies to every batsman, but because Kohli is such a big and important player in this Indian side and so much rests on him as captain, it is really important to make sure you are switched on and you are bowling the best delivery you can," he further added.
The former Yorkshire coach said that the bowlers should look to pitch the ball up at around the fourth stump line and ask the Indian captain to drive as he has the tendency to go hard the ball, a trait which was visible even in the UK when he started his innings.
On surfaces, which offer a little bit assistance to the bowlers, this should be the ploy to contain him, believes Gillespie.
"Everyone thinks Kohli has no weaknesses, and that is fair. He has a lot of strengths. But in England when the ball seamed or swung a little bit, I noticed he, at times, went really hard at the ball. I would like the Australian bowlers to have a look at that," he assessed.
