Virat Kohli Prepares for Ranji Comeback with Sanjay Bangar’s Guidance

Virat Kohli is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares for his much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy. The former Indian captain, who last played in the tournament over 12 years ago, is addressing a technical flaw in his batting under the guidance of Sanjay Bangar, his trusted mentor and former India batting coach.

Focused Training to Fix Backfoot Play

Kohli, often praised for his cover drives and front-foot dominance, has struggled with deliveries in the off-stump channel. In a special training session conducted by Bangar at a private facility near Mumbai, the focus was clear: improve Kohli’s backfoot play against rising deliveries.

To replicate match-like conditions, Bangar used a portable cement slab positioned mid-pitch to create extra bounce. Throwdowns were delivered from 16 yards, forcing Kohli to adjust quickly and work on shots square of the wicket, including square cuts and backfoot punches.

Why Backfoot Play is Crucial

In recent years, bowlers have exploited Kohli’s reliance on front-foot strokes, especially in Test matches. His lack of contributions square of the wicket has allowed bowlers to target him with consistent length and bounce. The training session aimed to expand his scoring areas and minimize dismissals in the off-stump corridor.

“Bangar’s influence has always been significant. Kohli scored most of his international hundreds when Bangar was part of India’s coaching setup,” said a senior BCCI official.

Preparing for Delhi’s Ranji Game

Kohli is expected to feature in Delhi’s final league game against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium starting January 30. This move aligns with the BCCI’s mandate for centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket.

The Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) is gearing up for a large crowd, with an expected turnout of over 10,000 fans. “Ranji matches are free to attend, and we anticipate strong support for Kohli’s return,” said a DDCA official.

Struggles and Motivation

Kohli’s recent form in international cricket has been underwhelming. He managed just 190 runs in five Tests during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, including a solitary century in Perth. Against New Zealand, he averaged a mere 15.50 across three Tests.

Kohli’s commitment to improving his game, even at this stage of his career, underscores his hunger for success. “Whenever he’s in Mumbai, he works with Bangar, who understands his game deeply,” said a source close to the player.

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