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Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has weighed in on Virat Kohli’s performance in the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, which India lost 2-0. Karthik believes that there is no cause for concern about Kohli’s form, considering the challenging conditions faced by all Indian batsmen on pitches that heavily favored spinners.

The Indian batting lineup encountered significant difficulties while playing at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Sri Lankan spinners dominated the proceedings, exploiting the conducive conditions to their advantage. Out of the 30 Indian wickets that fell during the three-match series, an astonishing 27 were claimed by the hosts’ spin bowlers, highlighting their effectiveness on the turning tracks.

This series loss marks the first time in 27 years that India has been defeated by Sri Lanka in a bilateral ODI series. Karthik, however, believes that the team can take some positives from the experience.

“It’s been a tough pitch to play spin in this series, let’s admit that first. Be it Virat Kohli, be it Rohit Sharma, or be it anyone else. With the slightly semi-new ball between overs about 8 to 30, it’s been hard work (for batters),” Karthik said in a video on Cricbuzz.

“It’s nothing to worry about. Not too many pitches work that way, but it’s been a tough pitch to play spinners. I’m not going to defend Virat Kohli here, but I can tell you that playing spin was very hard,” he added.

Karthik also emphasized the positives for India from the series, which they can leverage in the future, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 Champions Trophy.

“The biggest positive is the fact that India played all-rounders and bravely attacked. So that is something I really like, that is one. Number two, Riyan Parag, in his limited opportunities, is showing what he can do with the ball, which is again a small plus for us,” Karthik said.

“Other than that, I think Rohit’s batting is itself. The way he starts in powerplay. He is making batting look too easy in the series. Batted beautifully. These were the positives for me from this series,” he added.

Karthik also discussed why Indian batters struggle when facing spin on slow pitches.

“When you first end up playing international cricket, you end up playing a lot more quality fast-bowling. But the truth is, when every team ends up playing three fast-bowlers, and at times, four of them with just one spinner or sometimes two, we play on slow turning pitches, which doesn’t happen too often,” Karthik said.

“So, when you come from domestic cricket and go into international cricket, you focus on playing fast-bowling and hence, it is understandable of players losing their quality to play spin bowling over a period of time,” he added.

Karthik concluded by suggesting changes to the IPL mega auction system ahead of the 2025 season.

“I feel four to five (retentions) is a good number, but one or two Right to Match is also a very good option. But one small change in the Right to Match option is, once the player is bid for and the right to match option is used, I think bidding can still go on,” Karthik said.

“If the team which has won the first bid believe they have something in their kitty to bid for that player, in that way, the player will get fair money, and the bidding has to happen between the team which has used the Right to match, and the team which has bid for him until then to get that player,” he added.