In a recently surfaced video, star Indian batter Virat Kohli praised Australia’s relentless mentality and competitive spirit, stating that he will need to elevate his game to match their intensity and desire to win. Kohli has delivered some of his finest performances across formats against the formidable Australians.
The 35-year-old has scored 5,203 runs against Australia in international cricket, the most against any team, with 16 centuries and 27 half-centuries. In the 2018-19 series, Kohli became the first Indian captain to secure a Test series victory in Australia.
In an older video that has gone viral on Star Sports’ X handle, Kohli shared his mindset when facing Australia, saying:
“I think that mindset is very clear to me. That they are such a competitive team that 11 people on one page and everyone knows what’s going on in the game and even if they get an inch of it then they will try to capitalize. So my motivation increases more against this team who have been aware enough, present at all times.”
He further added:
“Their skill-set is high and also so competitive that I’ll need to elevate myself to defeat them. Otherwise, the motivation, the drive and the awareness that they have, they won’t even give you a chance to come back into the game.”
https://x.com/starsportsindia/status/1852614122548208084?s=46
Virat Kohli has been one of the few batters to demonstrate remarkable consistency in Australian conditions. The seasoned player averages an impressive 56.16 across formats there, with 11 centuries and 19 half-centuries in 59 matches.
“Their energy and approach during the game helped me realize how competitive it is”- Virat Kohli on Australia
Virat Kohli praised the Australians for their energy and competitiveness, which has inspired him to elevate his game.
Although Australia has had the upper hand over India in ICC events, the Asian giants have been dominant in bilateral Test series. India has won the last four bilateral Test series against Australia, including two victories in Australia during 2018-19 and 2020-21.
“Because their energy or perspective in-game made me understand how competitive it is. And for defeating them, you need to elevate your competitiveness.”
“So I think, naturally, since I am very competitive, if you want to win against the opposition, then you’ll have to find new ways and every team has a different way of playing,” Kohli said in the same interview.
“So this thing always worked for me, when it came down to Australia and that’s because they play cricket in such an intense manner. I want to take it on next level,” he added.
The rivalry between Virat Kohli and Australia will continue when the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicks off in Perth on November 22.
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