Former Indian all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri sent a strong message to Virat Kohli‘s critics, highlighting the batter’s past successes in Australia ahead of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Despite struggling with the bat this year, averaging just 22.72 in six Tests, and enduring a tough series against New Zealand, where he averaged under 16, Kohli has traditionally excelled in Australian conditions against the formidable Aussies.
Speaking to the ICC, Shastri reminded Kohli’s detractors of this by stating:
“Well, the King is back in his territory. That’s all I will tell them. When you’ve earned that title after your exploits in Australia, it will be on your (opponent’s) mind when you go out to bat.”
Shastri, however, advised Kohli to remain cautious in the early stages of his innings during the upcoming series against Australia.
“Your juices are flowing, you’re charged up. It’s again a case with Virat. You want to see calmness because at times you are overeager to get out there and throw the first punch.”
“But I think that calmness in the first half an hour where he gets out to bat or in the first three innings of the series will be extremely important. If he can be calm and play the game at his own pace rather than being in a hurry, I think he’ll be fine,” he said.
Kohli’s Test average of 54.08 in Australia is his highest outside of India. The star batter has scored six of his 15 away Test centuries in Australia, including four during the 2014-15 tour.
Virat Kohli was the first Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia
Beyond his run-scoring, Virat Kohli made history in the 2018-19 series by becoming the first Indian captain to lead the team to a Test series victory in Australia. After coming close in the 2014-15 tour but losing 0-2, India, under Kohli’s inspired leadership, was determined to succeed from the start.
India won a thrilling opener in Adelaide by 31 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. As expected, Australia responded strongly, claiming a 146-run victory in the second Test to level the series at 1-1.
However, under Kohli’s leadership, India bounced back with dominance. They triumphed by 137 runs in the third Test in Melbourne, securing a decisive 2-1 lead.
The momentum continued in the final Test in Sydney, though bad weather forced a draw. Despite this, India overcame past disappointments in Australia to clinch a 2-1 series victory.
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