Every great batter has that one nagging vulnerability, a small crack in an otherwise solid wall of defense. For Virat Kohli, a modern-day legend, it’s a specific line of attack that opponents have tried to exploit for years. Now, Australian all-rounder Matthew Short has shed some light on his team's straightforward plan to target that very area in their upcoming encounters.According to Short, the Australian strategy isn't some new, elaborate scheme. It’s about sticking to a tried-and-tested method: bowling that nagging line just outside the off-stump. It’s a delivery designed to test a batter's patience, luring them into a shot they might not want to play."Everyone has their own plans against a world-class player like Virat," Short explained. "Our approach has always been to challenge him around that fourth or fifth stump line. I'm sure we will be trying to do the same thing again."This tactic is a classic in cricket for right-handed batters, especially those who, like Kohli, possess a strong on-drive. The idea is to make them question whether to leave the ball or play it, often leading to a costly edge behind to the wicketkeeper or slips. Short noted that while Kohli is exceptionally skilled, this particular area remains the most promising for bowlers looking to get the upper hand.The strategy was on full display during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Australian bowlers consistently probed that channel outside off-stump. Short himself managed to get Kohli out in the ODI series that followed, adding another piece of evidence to support the game plan.What makes this insight interesting is its simplicity. In an era of complex data analysis and high-tech strategies, Australia’s plan against one of the world's best is a return to basics. It’s a mental game as much as a technical one—a test of discipline for both the bowler and the batter.As teams prepare to face India, this straightforward but effective strategy will undoubtedly be a key part of their playbook. For Virat Kohli, the challenge remains the same: to resist the temptation and prove that even a well-known weakness can be overcome.
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