Ex-India batting coach Bangar addresses Virat Kohli's batting struggles ahead of 4th Test: ‘Patience is key, wait for the bowler…’

The Indian batters continued their poor form in Brisbane, failing to put up a strong performance. In reply to Australia's total of 445 in the first innings, India only managed to reach 260. The top order struggled with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (4), Shubman Gill (1), Virat Kohli (3), Rishabh Pant (9), and Rohit Sharma (10) all departing early, making it a challenging start for the team.

It was only knocks by KL Rahul (84) and Ravindra Jadeja (77), which saved India's pride. In the second innings, Australia declared for 89/7, setting a target of 275 runs. In the run chase, India reached 8/0 and then play was stopped due to rain.

Although, Kohli got a century in Perth, his batting form has been patchy this year. Other than his ton in the second innings of the first Test, he has struggled in Australia this year. Speaking to Star Sports, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar had some advice for Kohli, urging him to bat with caution when facing balls and to play deliveries from the front pad.

“Sometimes you need to keep your status as a batter in control a little. When you surrender slightly to the game, spend a little time, ease out in the middle for some time, wait for the bowler to come to you, and do not go yourself towards the bowler, that's the sign of a big player,” he said.

"Play as many balls as possible close to your front pad and then the runs will flow because it's not that he hasn't scored runs. He scored a century three innings ago and in the series before that, he played a 70-run knock against New Zealand in Bengaluru," he added.

During the ongoing series, Kohli has managed only 126 runs in three matches (five innings), including a century (100*). Rahul is currently India's top-scorer, with 235 runs, followed by Yashasvi (193) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (179). The Melbourne Test is scheduled to begin on December 26, and the visitors will be aiming to extend their lead.