Someone 'need to tell' Virat Kohli: Yuvraj Singh father points out 'technical issue' in batting

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Yograj Singh, former Indian cricketer and father of Yuvraj Singh, has voiced his concerns about Virat Kohli's batting technique, specifically highlighting his struggles against deliveries outside the off-stump.

Reflecting on India's recent 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia, Yograj believes Kohli's repeated dismissals stem from a technical flaw that requires immediate attention.

In the five-match series, Kohli managed just 190 runs and fell eight times to deliveries outside the off-stump, attempting his signature right-hand push. While this stroke has brought him immense success on subcontinental pitches and beyond, Yograj suggested it's proving to be a liability on surfaces with extra bounce and carry. Yograj stated to TOI, "Virat, don't play this shot. Just play straight or leave this ball."

Yograj's critique extends beyond Kohli to the broader Indian setup. He emphasized the importance of man-management over traditional coaching at the international level, noting that even the most gifted players occasionally encounter mental blocks. "No matter how great a player is, they can't be bigger than the game itself. Someone needs to guide them, to say, 'Let's go to the nets and work on this,'" he said.

The need for effective guidance, Yograj Singh added, applies equally to other senior players like Rohit Sharma. While Rohit opted out of the Sydney Test following a string of poor performances, Yograj argued that players in such slumps require reassurance and tactical advice rather than criticism. He credited Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, for his tactical brilliance but stressed the necessity of nurturing young players and fostering a supportive environment.

"When players are down, struggling to perform, management becomes that magic wand that lifts them up," Yograj remarked, adding that younger talents like Mohammed Siraj also require consistent mentoring to thrive at the highest level.

India's failure to secure a spot in the 2025 World Test Championship final has amplified calls for introspection. With Australia set to face South Africa at Lord's, questions loom over India's preparedness and the role of their coaching staff.