Virat Kohli returns to Perth, the city where his legend started. It was here in 2012 that Kohli first caught the world’s attention with his fiery batting. Now, older and less consistent, he returns to Perth as India prepares for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener at Optus Stadium.
Kohli’s journey at the WACA began in 2012 when, as a 23-year-old, he responded to criticism about his place in the team. After top-scoring with 44 on a tough WACA pitch, he proved his worth, scoring 75 in the second innings despite India’s loss. Now, in 2024, he returns to the same ground, looking to reignite his form.
Kohli’s recent performances, with only two centuries in five years and a dip in his average, have raised doubts. However, Australian media, typically supportive of the home team, has given him positive coverage since India’s arrival, with full-page features in major publications. This support contrasts with past criticisms, especially after his clash with a taunting Sydney crowd.
In 2012, Kohli was relentlessly sledged by Australian players, but he responded by scoring a century in Adelaide, famously saying, “Responding verbally and then scoring a century makes it even sweeter.” He also criticized the SCG crowd for their behavior, adding, “Don’t get drunk and abuse players.”
Virat Kohli returns to Perth, the place where he first established himself as a Test great in 2012
Perth and Adelaide in 2012 were key to Kohli’s rise, but it was Adelaide in 2014 that solidified his place among cricket’s elite. Leading India for the first time, Kohli scored centuries in both innings, including a masterful knock of 141 under challenging conditions.
His leadership philosophy of “Play to win” shone through, even as India fell short in a valiant chase of 364. Fans admired Kohli’s aggressive spirit, especially in his battles with Mitchell Johnson, including his fiery 169 at the MCG during the Boxing Day Test.
By 2018, Kohli’s game had matured. At Optus Stadium, he scored a determined 123 off 257 balls, signaling that his bat would do the talking. India lost that Test, but Kohli’s leadership helped them win the series 2-1, with him hailed as a key figure in the success.
In December 2020, during the Covid pandemic, Kohli played only the first Test before returning home for the birth of his child. In 2017, Kohli’s personal milestones also intertwined with his professional journey.
While playing at his favorite venue, Perth, he scored 74 off 180 balls before being run out, but India collapsed to a historic low of 36 all out. Despite his absence for the final Tests, India won the series 2-1 under Ajinkya Rahane.
Now, in the twilight of his career, can he reclaim his aura in the place where it all began?
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