Aakash Chopra breaks down Virat Kohli's struggles against Sri Lankan spin attack

In the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka, India’s star batter Virat Kohli faced unexpected challenges from Sri Lankan spinners.

Kohli, known for his skill against spin bowling, was dismissed lbw in all three matches of the series, with each dismissal coming from a spinner.

In the first ODI, Wanindu Hasaranga claimed Kohli’s wicket, followed by Jeffrey Vandersay in the second match and Dunith Wellalage in the third. 

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra highlighted Kohli’s difficulties, noting that he misjudged the spinners’ deliveries and wasted his reviews on each occasion.

Chopra commented on his YouTube channel, “Virat Kohli lbw three times in three innings against spinners. I don’t remember the last time it happened. He was playing the wrong line and also used up reviews each time. He wasn't quite able to impose himself in the series."

Shreyas Iyer, another key Indian player, also struggled during the series. Iyer, who had returned to the team after being removed from the BCCI’s central contract, scored only 38 runs across the three matches. Chopra expressed surprise at Iyer’s performance, questioning why even reputed players of spin were finding it difficult.

“Shreyas Iyer is considered a good player of spin, but even he was unable to counter the spinners twice and got dismissed to pace once. If our good players of spin have such performances, not sure why is it happening,” he added.

The series ended with Sri Lanka making history by securing their first ODI series win over India in 27 years. The opening game was a draw, while Sri Lanka won the second and third ODIs by 32 and 110 runs, respectively.