Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith has characterised Virat Kohli as the most Australian of Indian players. Smith believes that the former Indian captain embodies Australian values in both mindset and behaviour.
India and Australia will lock horns in a five-match Test series in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in which Smith and Kohli will also be in action together. The fans have already started the countdown to the exciting series.
In a short video shared on Star Sports’ official X handle, batter Smith alongside experienced Aussie left-arm bowler Mitchell Starc was offered a proposition where they had to name which Indian player in their opinion, had the most Australian mindset and behaviour. Both picked up Kohli. Explaining his reason for the selection, Smith said:
“Virat Kohli is Australian in thoughts and action. The way he gets into it the battle, the way he gets into the challenge and tries to get on top of the opposition – he’s probably the most Australian of Indian players I’d say.”
Performing in big games ✅
Going all-in into challenges & battles ✅
Never back down attitude ✅#MitchellStarc & @stevesmith49 believe #ViratKohli would perfectly fit into the Australian team based on his thoughts & actions! 😬💪🏻Watch #ToughestRivalry in action during… pic.twitter.com/myNvSWimVl
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 26, 2024
In contrast, Starc highlighted Kohli’s capability to excel in crucial matches and his competitive mentality.
“I believe Virat Kohli probably is the most Australian like in terms of he is one to perform in big games. The way he takes on the game, the way he thinks about the game. He loves getting into the contest, which I think a lot of Australian players do,” the 34-year-old stated.
The first Test of India’s tour to Australia in 2024-25 will be played in Perth on November 22. The second Test will be held at the Adelaide Oval on December 6, whereas the third Test will take place at the Gabba starting December 14.
The five-match series will close with the customary Test match that will be held in Melbourne during Boxing Day (December 26-December 30) and the New Year at Sydney (January 3- January 7).
The performances of Kohli, Smith, and Starc in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Kohli, Smith, and Starc will be crucial for the fortunes of each of their teams in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Looking back at their history in the competition, it is clear that Kohli has had success in his Test matches against Australia. Out of 24 matches he has played, he has scored 1979 runs at a respectable average of 48.26 with 8 centuries and 5 half-centuries to his name.
Competitive. Fierce. Effortless.#MitchellMarsh and #TravisHead believe #RishabhPant's fiery spirit and natural competitiveness would make him a perfect fit among the Aussies, setting him apart! 😬💪🏻 #ToughestRivalry
Watch #ToughestRivalry in action during #INDvAUSonStar… pic.twitter.com/Ls6vwjWDjC
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 25, 2024
Turning our attention to Smith, he too has a great record in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In 18 Test matches, he has agricultural 1887 runs at an astonishing average of 65.06, with 8 hundreds and 5 half-centuries. Speaking of Starc’s, he has disappointing stats against India. The left-arm offshore has taken only 44 wickets in 17 Tests at quite an average of 38.68 with a best of 4-53.
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