Mumbai: As Team India prepares for the crucial Sydney Test, cricket experts Irfan Pathan, Abhishek Nayar, and Aakash Chopra shared their insights exclusively on ‘JioStar’, analyzing the key elements that could define India’s performance — from Virat Kohli’s batting rhythm to India’s fast-bowling strategy and the role of spin on Australian pitches.
Irfan Pathan: “Once Virat starts rotating the strike, there’s no looking back”
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan emphasized the importance of Virat Kohli finding his flow through strike rotation rather than just boundary-hitting. According to Pathan, the hallmark of Kohli’s success lies in his ability to keep the scoreboard ticking and dominate through intelligent batting.
“Virat Kohli’s form is important. He needs to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard moving. Because once he starts doing that, it becomes very difficult for any opposition to stop him,” Pathan explained. “I hope Virat starts rotating the strike quickly, gets some runs on the board, and once that happens, there’s no looking back for him.”
Pathan’s assessment reflects Kohli’s classic batting philosophy — building innings with singles and doubles before accelerating. Over the years, Kohli’s success across formats has hinged on this rhythm. Once he settles in, his calculated aggression and precision in finding gaps often leave bowlers searching for answers.
The former all-rounder also highlighted how Kohli’s confidence often rubs off on the entire batting unit. A settled Kohli at the crease not only anchors the innings but also ensures that younger players can express themselves more freely.
Abhishek Nayar: “Indian pacers must strike early and make use of Australian conditions”
While Kohli’s form remains a focal point, former cricketer and coach Abhishek Nayar believes the upcoming challenge in Sydney presents a golden opportunity for India’s fast bowlers to dominate.
“India’s fast bowlers have to take more wickets. With the kind of assistance they’re getting on these Australian pitches, they need to make full use of the conditions and show that in their performances,” said Nayar.
He added that early breakthroughs with the new ball could set the tone for the match.
“I’d like to see the Indian pacers, especially with the new ball, strike early and make that impact.”
Nayar’s comments come at a time when India’s pace attack — featuring the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mukesh Kumar — has shown flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency in recent outings. On hard, bouncy Australian tracks, controlling lengths and maintaining discipline will be crucial to prevent the opposition from settling in.
Nayar stressed that India’s pace battery has evolved over the years, but delivering sustained spells of pressure remains the key. “It’s not just about pace or aggression — it’s about smart bowling and patience,” he said.
Aakash Chopra: “Kuldeep Yadav could be India’s X-factor in Sydney”
With conditions in Sydney traditionally favoring spin, cricket analyst Aakash Chopra weighed in on India’s possible bowling combination and advocated for Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in the playing XI.
“Three fast bowlers might not be needed in Sydney, because it’s generally a spin-friendly pitch,” Chopra noted. “Kuldeep Yadav enjoys bowling here; it’s a big ground, and you can use that to your advantage in the middle overs.”
Chopra explained that Kuldeep’s variations and ability to extract bounce could be decisive, especially during the middle overs when the ball softens and batters look to consolidate.
“India should play Kuldeep and look to exploit the middle overs phase, creating wicket-taking opportunities and pressure through spin.”
Kuldeep, who has been in impressive form recently, could partner Ravindra Jadeja to form a potent spin duo. Sydney’s history of assisting turn has often seen spinners play a match-defining role — from Anil Kumble’s heroics to Nathan Lyon’s dominance for Australia.
The Balancing Act: Batting Fluidity and Bowling Precision
The trio’s insights collectively underline a crucial balance India must strike — aggressive yet patient batting led by Kohli, and disciplined yet attacking bowling anchored by both pace and spin.
For Kohli, finding momentum early in his innings remains critical. As Pathan pointed out, “rotation of strike” isn’t just a technique — it’s a psychological shift that transforms Kohli from cautious to commanding. When he starts maneuvering bowlers and turning ones into twos, his innings often blossoms into match-defining knocks.
For the bowlers, Nayar’s emphasis on seizing the new ball moment could make the difference between chasing the game and dictating it. Australia’s top order is known to capitalize on loose starts, making early breakthroughs non-negotiable.
And as Chopra reminded, adapting to the pitch remains non-negotiable — Sydney demands variety, and leaving out a quality spinner like Kuldeep could mean missing a key tactical advantage.
What’s at Stake
With the series finely poised, India’s strategy in Sydney could define not only the outcome of this Test but also the team’s momentum heading into future tours. Kohli’s form, the pacers’ discipline, and the use of spin might well become the three pillars of India’s campaign success Down Under.
If Kohli clicks — as Irfan Pathan believes he will once he settles into rhythm — India’s batting will find stability. If the pacers heed Nayar’s call for early breakthroughs, pressure will mount on Australia. And if Kuldeep spins a web as Chopra predicts, India could be on track for a historic win.
For now, as the experts agree, the formula for India’s success lies in synergy — patience at the crease, aggression with the ball, and clarity in selection.
Because once Virat starts rotating the strike quickly, as Irfan Pathan summed up —
“There’s no looking back — he becomes very difficult to stop.”
