NEW DELHI: In the lead-up to the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the buzz surrounding Virat Kohli, attributing the attention to Kohli’s remarkable performances in Test matches on Australian soil. Chopra believes that Kohli has earned immense respect in Australia, where Test cricket holds a special place.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “Test is the format if you want to earn respect in Australia and England. No matter how well you do in white-ball cricket, you won’t get that much respect. However, they remember you if you have dominated them with the bat or jolted them with the ball (in Tests). You will be written beautifully in the annals of history.”
Kohli has enjoyed a stellar Test career in Australia, amassing 1,352 runs, including six centuries, at an impressive average of 54.08 in 25 innings. His dominance in these challenging conditions has made him a celebrated figure among Australian fans and media alike. Chopra dismissed any suggestion that the hype is a result of media manipulation, stating that Kohli has “commanded” respect, not demanded it.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
“Is it any PR machinery that is in overdrive? Absolutely not. We were told from our childhood that Australia will be in your face. You don’t play with the XI but the entire nation. They are at you relentlessly. However, if you go there and conquer those grounds and this team, if you decimate or dominate them, they become your fans,” Chopra explained.
The former Indian opener contrasted Kohli’s achievements with those of current India captain
Rohit Sharma, pointing out that despite Rohit’s greatness in limited-overs cricket, especially against Australia, he hasn’t had the same impact in Test matches Down Under. Rohit has scored 408 runs at an average of 31.38 in 14 Test innings in Australia, without a century to his name.
“Rohit Sharma is an absolute GOAT when it comes to playing against Australia in white-ball cricket. However, Rohit has never played an entire Test series in Australia. He might not play the entire series this time as well. Rohit Sharma has not yet earned that status,” Chopra added.
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Chopra also noted that this widespread recognition of Kohli is reminiscent of the respect shown to Sachin Tendulkar in Australia, where his Test exploits earned him lasting admiration.
“They will be the first ones to stand up and greet you with applause. They will actually bow to you. We have seen this with Sachin Tendulkar. To earn respect in Australia and England, you have to go there and score runs or pick up wickets in Test matches. The moment you do that, you will be celebrated,” Chopra observed.
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