Table of Contents
Ex-England Star Wants Ben Stokes to Sledge Kohli: Will Barbs Ignite or Backfire?
In a bold break from tradition, an ex-England star wants Ben Stokes and his bowlers to embrace the heat and sledge Virat Kohli during their upcoming Test series in India.
Bucking the trend of wary whispers about not “poking the bear,” this former spinner from the 2012/13 tour suggests England should go all-in and get under Kohli’s skin.
The rationale? They believe Kohli thrives under pressure, finding extra fuel in hostile environments and verbal barbs. They point to his success against the notoriously sledging Aussies as evidence, arguing he transforms into an even more dangerous beast when riled up.
This strategy would certainly be a high-wire act. Kohli’s fire burns bright, and underestimating its intensity could spark an inferno that consumes England’s plans. However, the ex-spinner argues that the potential reward – perturbing Kohli’s focus and disrupting his rhythm – outweighs the risks.
It’s now up to England to decide whether they’ll take Panesar’s advice and pepper Kohli with verbal barbs. One thing’s for sure, though: if they do, the upcoming Test series promises to be a crackling contest fueled by both bats and banter.
So, buckle up, cricket fans. The fiery encounter is primed, battle lines drawn. Words will crackle in the air, stinging like the sharp swing of deliveries.
Kohli in Focus: Ex-England star urges Stokes to play mind games in Test showdown
Ex-England star Monty Panesar has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of the India-England Test series showdown, urging the visiting captain Ben Stokes to deploy some strategic mind games to curb the prolific run-scoring of Virat Kohli.
Kohli, who recently finished the T20I series against Afghanistan with renewed confidence, has already arrived in Hyderabad to gear up for the battle.
His numbers against England paint a formidable picture. Kohli has amassed a staggering 1991 runs in 28 matches against England, placing them second only to Australia among his batting conquests against different opponents.
Even more staggering is his home domination against the English – 1015 runs at a stellar average of 56.38, boasting three centuries to his name.
Panesar, recognizing Kohli’s potential threat, suggests that Stokes and his men should consider employing some psychological tactics to disrupt Kohli’s rhythm and limit his impact.
Whether they engage in verbal banter, field placements designed to frustrate him, or even targeted bowling strategies, the former spinner believes any measure that gets under Kohli’s skin could prove crucial in tilting the series in England’s favour.
The stage is set for a blockbuster clash between these two cricketing giants, and Panesar’s suggestion adds another layer of intrigue to the already mouthwatering prospect.
Can Stokes orchestrate the mental battle against Kohli, or will the Indian maestro once again rise to the occasion and dismantle England’s bowling attack?
The answers will unfold as the first ball is bowled at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday.
Panesar’s Kohli Playbook for Stokes: Mind Games & Anderson’s Reverse Swing
Before the five-match series began, Panesar, who finished second in England’s 2012–13 series win in India with 17 wickets, warned Stokes and his team to play on Kohli’s ego by calling India “chokers” and bringing up their long-standing ICC trophy drought.
Panesar spoke with India.com ahead of the series.
“Get mentally entangled with him by playing with his ego. It would be appropriate for them to tell him, among other things, that you guys choke in the end. Panesar stated.
“They should scold him along those lines because Stokes won the ODI and T20 WC while Kohli did not, and that will mentally pinch him.”
The former England spinner also said that James Anderson will again dismantle Kohli. Kohli has only fallen to Anderson twice in the past four series, the last time coming in 2021.
However, the veteran England bowler memorably dismissed him four times in their 2014 encounter. In India, Anderson has also not yet dismissed Kohli.
“I think it will be James Anderson, and I think it will be the reverse swing that would get Kohli,” Panesar stated.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
Discover more from SPORTS DRIBBLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
