The former India captain Virat Kohli has been going through a lean phase in Test cricket as he has not been able to register a 50+ score in the format this year. Since 2019, Virat Kohli has only managed to score two centuries in the longest format of the game. While his peers like Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson are going from strength to strength in red-ball cricket, Virat Kohli is struggling to live up to his lofty standards.
Indian star Virat Kohli has revealed that arch-rivals Australia no longer consider India an easy opponent. After the recent exploits on the world stage in recent years, the ‘mighty’ Australians have started to ‘respect’ the Men in Blue. India are scheduled to visit Down Under later this year, for the all-important Border Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit Sharma & Co. will tour Australia for a five-match Test series, as a part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2023-25 and Virat Kohli would be eager to make his mark in BGT 2024-25.
Despite playing away from home, India have history in their favour, and in no way, do they head into the series as underdogs. The Asian giants have been a menacing force in red-ball cricket, being the only team to feature in both WTC finals so far. Senior Indian batter, Virat Kohli has revealed the perception of the Indo-Australian rivalry, ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy scheduled to commence from November 22, 2024.
Virat Kohli amongst runs ahead of BGT 2024-25
Virat Kohli got back amongst the run-scorers as he played two crucial innings in the recently concluded Kanpur Test match. He looked out of touch in Chennai, but looked at his imperial best as he executed some brilliant strokes. In the first innings, when India needed to play aggressively, Virat Kohli brough his T20 style out as he scored a quick-fire 47 off 25 deliveries to keep the scoreboard ticking. He then had a much-needed outing in the second innings when India needed 95 runs to win.
The team had lost two early wickets, but Virat Kohli brought his experience to the crease, and alongside Yashaswi Jaiswal, steered India to victory. He scored 27 runs, but looked confident once again as he struck at nearly 80. The highlight of the innings was his sweep shot which he played against Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
The Bangladesh spinner pitched it fuller and Virat Kohli unleashed a ferocious sweep shot which went past the boundary ropes. Interestingly, Virat Kohli rarely plays the sweep shot, and the first time he used it was on the tour of Australia in 2014, where he scored 692 runs in 4 Tests.
Aussie spinner, Nathan Lyon was wreaking havoc in that series, and to counter him, Kohli used the sweep shot from his arsenal and was successful against the Aussie spinner. The Border-Gavaskar Series is just a few months away, and it seems like Kohli is getting ready to tackle Lyon’s spin once again.
Mike Hesson cautions Australia ahead of 2024/25 BGT about Virat Kohli
Former New Zealand cricketer Mike Hesson believes Virat Kohli is more focused on winning games for India than individual numbers, making him more dangerous for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India and Australia will play five Tests in a highly anticipated series, starting in Perth on November 22.
Kohli has struggled for form across formats this year, averaging under 22 in 16 outings. His Test form hasn’t been great in 2024 with an average of 31.40 in six innings, including no half-centuries.
Despite lacking his usual dominant numbers, Hesson warned Australia of Kohli’s threat in the upcoming series. He said on Jio Cinema as quoted by India Today:
“I think Virat Kohli is at that stage in his career where he just wants to try and win games for India. And I think that’s a dangerous stage for other sides, because if he’s doing that rather than focusing on numbers, the big scores will come naturally.”
Hesson added:
“The ability to hold a tempo in Australia is so important—being able to counterattack and knowing the right moments to do so. As mentioned, from 30 to 60 overs is a key phase. If Kohli is batting at that point, he won’t let the game drift. It’s about finding gaps, hitting gaps, getting ones and twos, and then, if they try and attack him, then he can counterattack.”
Kohli missed the home series against England earlier this year but returned to the side in the recent Bangladesh series which India won 2-0.
“He has the game and knows the conditions very well” – Mike Hesson on Virat Kohli
Mike Hesson feels Virat Kohli looked in great touch with the bat despite not scoring big in the recent Bangladesh series and added that the Australian conditions should suit him.
The champion batter has thrived in Tests Down Under, producing some of his most memorable knocks. Kohli averages an impressive 54.08 in Tests in Australia with six centuries and four half-centuries in 13 outings.
“He was in fine touch, and even though he didn’t get big scores against Bangladesh, he looked like he was moving well and getting into good positions. After playing in New Zealand, heading to Australia will suit him, as he thrives in those conditions. He has the game and knows the conditions very well,” Hesson said (as per the aforementioned source).
He concluded:
“The discussions he’ll have with younger players will also be crucial in helping them apply their game to challenge the Australians in the best way possible.”
Kohli was also the first Indian captain to lead the side to a Test series win in Australia in the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.