Kohli’s Confidence Against Spin Grows as He Prepares for CSK Challenge
There was a time when Virat Kohli’s game against spin was seen as a potential weakness. However, last year, in line with India’s aggressive T20 approach, he significantly improved against slower bowling. As IPL 2025 kicks off, Kohli has already shown his intent, and ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s much-anticipated clash with Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk, the focus is once again on how he will handle the spin trio of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad.
“He has batted well in the recent past against spin, especially in white-ball cricket,” Karthik said. “I don’t want to go too deep into stats, but if I recall, he performed when it mattered, like in the T20 World Cup finals and the Champions Trophy, where he was India’s second-highest run-scorer. That doesn’t happen without playing spin well.”
Karthik further highlighted Kohli’s relentless work ethic. “Even today, as I stepped out, he wanted to work on one more shot. That tells you about his hunger. He just wants to improve and keep raising the bar. Right now, he is batting as confidently and fluently as ever in the IPL.”
Will Chennai’s Pitch Aid Spin?
While Chepauk has traditionally been known for assisting spin, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has acknowledged that conditions haven’t always been predictable.
“It’s difficult. We don’t have much influence over the pitch,” Fleming explained. “Every surface has its own characteristics. We’ll have to assess and adapt from ball one. If it turns, great. But we’ve also prepared for a flat track.”
The Rise of Mystery Spin in T20 Cricket
CSK’s acquisition of Noor Ahmad has added a fresh dimension to their attack. Fleming offered insight into why mystery spinners continue to thrive in T20s.
“Many of these young players are extremely powerful hitters, but they don’t always have years of first-class experience. They are encountering mystery spin for the first time on a big stage. That makes it a challenge, but also an opportunity for bowlers with unique skills to make an impact.”
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