The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is expected to be a blockbuster Test series commencing on 22nd November at Optus Stadium, Perth. Virat Kohli is someone who likes getting under the skin of the opposition team. With no official statement regarding the participation of skipper Rohit Sharma in 1st Test match, Virat Kohli will have to lead the batting lineup. Virat Kohli has struck 6 centuries in 13 matches which says a lot about his success in Australian conditions
Cricket Australia (CA) most likely will hand the debut to Nathan McSweeney who will bat along with the veteran batter Usman Khawaja. Astoundingly, CA has not recalled the likes of Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft nor Marcus Harris who earlier had opened the batting for the Aussies. Undoubtedly, the stats of these three players aren’t encouraging but they can be better equipped to tackle the Indian bowling line up.
Virat Kohli loves challenges- David Warner
David Warner wrote in his column for Herald Sun and stated that Virat Kohli can rediscover his form in Australia. David Warner pointed out that Virat Kohli is someone who performs exceedingly well when he is under pressure. Warner was quite worried for the Australian cricket team and the former Australian batter said that Virat Kohli can pile on runs.
“This is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and Virat loves challenges. He has been the best overseas batter to play in Australia. There is no better place for him to come out of poor form and give a reply to critics. I’m genuinely worried for the Australian cricket team as he can pile on runs,” said David Warner.
Concerns for India’s batting lineup
With Shubman Gill ruled out of the 1st Test match against Australia due to a thumb injury, there are chances that Abhimanyu Easwaran might bat up the order. Perhaps, the Indian cricket team’s management might be tempted to play both Ravindra Jadeja & Ravichandran Ashwin; the duo are very good batters and can play handy knocks & most importantly frustrate the bowlers with their defense.
Virat Kohli’s performance against New Zealand in the recently concluded Test series wasn’t a memorable one where he scored 93 runs in 6 innings. The Australian trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc & Josh Hazlewood would target the off-stump channel line & length for Virat Kohli who in the past has fallen into this trap ‘n’ times.
Also Read: BGT 2024-25 : Sanjay Manjrekar slams Virat Kohli’s lean patch ahead of BGT 2024-25