Why virat kohli don't play sweep shots

 Virat Kohli is undoubtedly one of the greatest cricketers of all time, known for his impeccable batting skills and ability to score runs with ease. However, one shot that is notably absent from his repertoire is the sweep shot. While many other batsmen use this shot as a key weapon in their arsenal, Kohli rarely, if ever, plays it. But why is that? Let's examine the reasons in detail:

 

1. Footwork

The sweep shot requires a batsman to get low to the ground and sweep the ball from outside the off stump towards the leg side. However, Kohli's footwork is geared towards playing through the off side, making it harder for him to execute the sweep shot with the same level of proficiency as some other batsmen. Additionally, Kohli's footwork is built on the principle of playing as close to the body as possible, which makes it difficult for him to reach for balls outside the off stump and play the sweep shot.

Example: During the 2018 tour of England, Kohli struggled to play the sweep shot against Moeen Ali, who exploited the Indian captain's vulnerability outside the off stump with his off-spin bowling.

2. Batting technique

Kohli is known for his solid batting technique, which is built around a tight defence and a range of attacking strokes. However, his technique doesn't lend itself well to the sweep shot. The shot requires a batsman to open up his body and play with a cross-batted stroke, which goes against Kohli's natural tendency to play with a straight bat. Furthermore, Kohli's preference for playing through the off side means that he rarely plays across the line of the ball, which is necessary for executing the sweep shot.

Example: During India's tour of Australia in 2014-15, Kohli was bowled by Nathan Lyon while attempting a sweep shot. This was a rare instance of Kohli attempting the sweep shot, and it resulted in his dismissal.

3. Game strategy

Another reason why Kohli doesn't play the sweep shot is because of his game strategy. Kohli is a master at playing the waiting game and building an innings, often taking the safer option of playing straight down the ground or through the off side. By avoiding the sweep shot, he minimises the risk of getting out and also avoids giving the bowler an opportunity to set him up for a trap.

Example: During India's tour of England in 2018, Kohli eschewed the sweep shot and instead relied on his backfoot play to counter the English spinners. This approach allowed him to build a solid innings in the third Test at Trent Bridge, where he scored 97 and 103 in the two innings.

4. Pitch conditions

Finally, the pitch conditions may also be a factor in Kohli's decision not to play the sweep shot. In India, where Kohli has played most of his cricket, the pitches are often slow and low, which makes it harder to play the sweep shot effectively. As a result, Kohli has developed other scoring options that are better suited to the conditions, such as playing the ball late and using the crease to his advantage.

Example: During India's Test series against England in 2021, Kohli struggled to play the sweep shot against the English spinners on pitches that offered variable bounce and turn. However, he adapted his game by using his feet and playing the ball late, which allowed him to score runs through the off side and rotate the strike

Physical limitations

Kohli is a compact player with a relatively small stature, which means he may not have the physical attributes required to execute the sweep shot with power and accuracy. Players who are taller and have longer limbs may find it easier to reach for the ball outside the off stump and generate more power while playing the sweep shot. Kohli's style of batting is built around his ability to play straight and use his wrists to manipulate the ball, which may be a more effective strategy given his physical limitations.

Example: During the 2019 World Cup, Kohli was dismissed while attempting a sweep shot against the West Indies. While he was able to make contact with the ball, he didn't get enough power behind the shot, and it resulted in a catch at deep square leg.

Mental approach

Kohli is known for his intense and focused approach to the game, which may be another reason why he avoids playing the sweep shot. The sweep shot requires a certain level of risk-taking and a willingness to take on the bowler, which may not be in line with Kohli's mental approach to batting. Instead, he prefers to focus on building an innings and taking calculated risks when the opportunity arises.

Example: During the 2016 T20 World Cup, Kohli played a match-winning innings against Australia, scoring 82 not out from 51 balls. While he didn't play any sweep shots during the innings, he was able to manipulate the field and score runs through his trademark cover drives and flicks.

Opposition analysis

Kohli is a master at analysing the opposition and their bowling tactics, which may also influence his decision not to play the sweep shot. By studying the bowlers and their variations, he can identify their strengths and weaknesses and plan his approach accordingly. If he determines that the sweep shot is not a high percentage option against a particular bowler, he may choose to avoid playing it altogether.

Example: During the 2020 IPL, Kohli faced a number of top-quality spinners such as Rashid Khan and Sunil Narine. While he didn't play many sweep shots during the tournament, he was able to use his feet and play the ball late to negate the spin and score runs through the off side.

In conclusion, there are several factors that contribute to Virat Kohli's decision not to play sweep shots. These include his footwork, batting technique, game strategy, pitch conditions, physical limitations, mental approach, and opposition analysis. While the sweep shot may be a valuable option for other batsmen, Kohli has found success with his own unique approach to batting and has become one of the most successful batsmen in the world.