Virat Kohli is currently gearing up to take on Australia in the much-awaited five-match Test series, starting on November 22 in Perth. After a disappointing performance during India’s 0-3 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand at home, all eyes are on the star batter.
Kohli, who managed just 93 runs across six innings against New Zealand, is under heavy scrutiny following his series of poor outings, and now the entire country is hoping to see his beast mode on the Australian soil in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Sunil Gavaskar backs Virat Kohli for a comeback in Australia
Despite the slump, Sunil Gavaskar believes that the stage is perfectly set for Virat Kohli to reclaim his form and dominate Down Under. Australia has always been a happy hunting ground for dashing right-handers.
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He has an exceptional record of 1352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08, featuring six centuries and four fifties, which shows his ability to thrive in the Australian conditions.
The legendary cricketer has mentioned that Virat Kohli played some of his finest knocks at iconic venues, including Perth and Adelaide, so they are familiar battlegrounds for the Indian batting maestro, and it would help him to regain his best form in the upcoming Test series.
He’ll be very, very hungry: Sunil Gavaskar on Virat Kohli
Sunil Gavaskar was quoted as saying by Star Sports: “Yes, I do. That’s because he hasn’t got runs against New Zealand. He’ll be very, very hungry. Even in that Adelaide Test match, where in the second innings we got out for 36. In the first innings, Kohli had got 70 plus if I recall correctly. Then he was run out. So, all the times he has played in Adelaide, he has got runs. So, clearly even here, even if it’s a pink ball game, that’s familiar ground for him.”
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Gavaskar emphasizes that Kohli’s hunger to succeed will be a driving force in the highly anticipated Test series in Australia. The former Indian captain has also pointed out that Kohli’s ability to adjust and build innings in Australia has been a hallmark of his career.
If Virat Kohli gets off to a start, he will get big runs: Sunil Gavaskar
Whether it’s dealing with the bounce at Perth or tackling the pink ball in Adelaide, Kohli’s confidence and previous successes would be helpful for the former Indian captain, but Gavaskar suggests that the initial moments at the crease will be crucial for the right-hander.
Surviving the early movement of the ball and calming the nerves will be the foundation for big scores for Kohli in the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia, according to Gavaskar.
Gavaskar signed off by saying, “Before Adelaide, it’s Perth. He got one of the finest centuries at Perth in 2018-19. Terrific, terrific 100. So, when you have got runs under your belt on certain grounds, you just feel a little bit confident. Of course, you need luck to survive at the start, and the ball may be a little bit. So, if he gets off to a start, he will get big runs.”
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