India’s star batsman Virat Kohli is currently struggling with poor form. He managed to score only 93 runs in the three-match home Test series against New Zealand. His last Test century came in July of the previous year. The Indian team is set to play the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test series in Australia starting from November 22. Kohli’s form has become a matter of concern, and the 36-year-old cricketer is facing criticism. However, former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed hope that King Kohli will regain his form during the Australia tour. The Indian players have already reached Australia, with Kohli being the first to arrive.
Shastri delivered a straightforward message, saying that the King has now arrived at a place where he loves to bat and score runs. Shastri made this statement because Kohli has an excellent record in Australia, and the stats support this. In an interview with ‘ICC Review,’ Shastri issued a warning to Australia, saying, “The King (Kohli) will now play where he performs very well. That’s all I will say.” He added, “When you achieve such a stature after showcasing your skills in Australia, it always stays in your opponent’s mind when you come out to bat.”
Virat Kohli’s Record in Australia
Virat Kohli first toured Australia for a Test series in 2011-12, where he played innings of 44 and 75 in Perth and scored a fighting century in Adelaide. In 2014, Kohli scored 692 runs in four Test matches in Australia. During the 2018-19 series, he scored 123 in Perth and 82 in Melbourne while leading the team as captain. On the 2020 tour, Kohli played one Test and scored 74 runs in Adelaide. Overall, Kohli has accumulated 1,979 runs at an average of 48.26 in 24 Tests against Australia, including 8 centuries and 5 half-centuries.
Shastri’s Advice to Kohli
Shastri also advised Kohli to be cautious during the early stages of the tour. He said, “When you are excited and full of energy, which is the case with Virat, you need to stay calm because sometimes you are overly eager to take the first strike.” He added, “But I think it is very important for him to stay calm during the first half-hour of his innings or the first three innings of the series. If he can do that and play in his rhythm without rushing, I believe he will bat well.”