Published By: Sanchari Das

How Kohli’s Cover Drive Became Both His Masterpiece and His Achilles’ Heel!

Kohli’s cover drive is a masterpiece in motion, a shot that defines his batting genius

When India toured Australia in 2024-25 to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, expectations from Virat Kohli were sky-high. Having a stellar record Down Under, Kohli’s pre-series average was 54.08 across 13 matches. But the series told a different story. Scoring only 190 runs in five matches at an average of 23.75, Kohli’s form took a hit. His struggles outside the off-stump raised questions about his technique and temperament.

The cover drive: Beauty or beast? 

Kohli’s cover drive is a sight—cricket’s poetry in motion. Yet, it’s also a double-edged sword. In the 2024-25 series, his dismissals had a recurring pattern. Australian pacers tempted him with deliveries in the off-stump channel. Unable to resist, Kohli edged many to the slips and keeper. This wasn’t a new problem. Over the years, the very shot that won him acclaim has also led to his undoing, a fact highlighted starkly during his struggles Down Under.

Revisiting the nightmare of 2014 

Kohli’s frailties against deliveries outside the off-stump trace back to the 2014 England tour. James Anderson and company exploited the fifth-stump line, drawing edges repeatedly. Kohli’s across-the-crease stance left his head falling outside the off-stump, leading to misjudged shots. The results were disastrous: 134 runs from 10 innings at a paltry average of 13.40. It was a humbling experience for the young Kohli, who seemed lost against England’s swing maestros.

Redemption in England, 2018 

Fast forward to 2018, Kohli returned to England a transformed player. Subtle adjustments to his stance and alignment worked wonders. He displayed better judgement by slightly opening his stance and aligning his head to the off-stump. The result? He had a staggering 593 runs at an average of 59.30, making him the leading run-scorer of the series. His classy cover drives were back, but they came with caution and control this time. Kohli’s 2018 heroics remain a testament to his ability to evolve.

The ongoing experimentation 

Kohli’s stance has been constantly tweaked over the years. In 2022, he shifted to a slightly open stance, aligning his head toward the leg-stump. However, the results were underwhelming—an average of 26.50 across 11 innings. On the 2024-25 Australia tour, Kohli made further changes, taking a middle-stump guard and standing well outside the crease. Yet, his woes continued, and his average in Australia dipped to 46.72. His technical tinkering seemed to lack the consistency seen in 2018.

The Sydney scare 

The Sydney Test highlighted Kohli’s vulnerability. On day one, facing Scott Boland’s first delivery, Kohli poked at a ball outside off-stump. Steve Smith’s slip catch—later overturned—was a near miss for the Indian batter. Such moments underline his ongoing struggle to leave deliveries outside the off-stump. While he’s working hard in the nets to perfect this discipline, the match scenario often sees him revert to old habits.

Looking ahead to England 2025 

With India’s next Test series in England, Kohli faces a familiar challenge. The lateral movement in England’s conditions will demand precision and patience. The question is whether Kohli can conquer his off-stump demons once again. His ability to adapt, as seen in 2018, offers hope. But the ghosts of 2014 still linger. Will Kohli’s cover drive remain an ally or turn into his nemesis? Only time will reveal if the champion batter can reclaim his mastery over the off-stump line.