"Going Through A Difficult Time, Just Keep...": Sanjay Manjrekar's Advice For Virat Kohli

Former player Sanjay Manjrekar believes Virat Kohli must "settle his mind" and not pressurise himself by overthinking or practicing a lot, ahead of India's key clash against arch rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday. Kohli, who has struggled against spin bowling of late in one-day cricket, arrived at practice a couple of hours before the others and spent a considerable time facing spinners in the nets on Saturday.

After he fell to Bangladesh spinner Rishad Hossain in the tournament-opener on Thursday, Sunil Gavaskar had also expressed his concerns over Kohli's form.

"When you (Kohli) are slightly out of form and runs, you think of practising too much and thinking too much... sometimes (you) just over do it. Just keep hitting the balls in the nets. It's more of mind thing (and) not (just) about (the) batting technique," said JioHotstar expert Manjrekar in a virtual interaction.

"He is going through a difficult time, and has (had) some technical issues... in the last match he lacked confidence but he is trying his best. He just needs to settle his mind a little bit without trying too hard, and go out there with a relaxed mind," Manjrekar added.

Manjrekar said it was a "sorry situation" with Rishabh Pant as India continue to play KL Rahul as their wicketkeeper-batter.

"India were pretty good (against Bangladesh), most boxes got ticked. I don't see drastic changes if the pitch is doesn't demand. Kuldeep (Yadav) needs a little more game time. Rahul got some runs, so I don't think any new wicketkeeper-batter is going to replace him," he said.

"Till Rahul is contributing, Pant will stay out but Pant is rare talent for India. It's a sorry situation for him." Manjrekar feels India are firm favourites to win