Australian batter Travis Head acknowledged the threat posed by Virat Kohli ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Speaking during Australia’s practice session in Perth, Head lauded Kohli as a “world-class player” while expressing hopes to minimize the Indian batter’s impact during the series.
“There’s not a series you would play against India and not talk about Virat Kohli,” Head remarked, emphasizing Kohli’s pivotal role. “He’s going to have his moments in the series, and hopefully not too many of them.”
Kohli’s Current Form and Pressure
Kohli’s recent form has been under scrutiny, especially after India’s 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand, where the senior batter managed only 93 runs across three matches. Despite this, Head backed Kohli to perform, noting the hype surrounding the Indian star:
“Over five Tests, at some stage, he’s probably going to play well. We respect that and will try our best to nullify him.”
The absence of Rohit Sharma (on paternity leave) and Shubman Gill (thumb fracture) in the Perth Test places additional responsibility on Kohli, who will be crucial for India’s batting lineup.
Kohli’s Record Against Australia
Virat Kohli has historically excelled against Australia in Test cricket, especially on Australian soil. He has amassed 1,352 runs Down Under, making him the second-highest Indian run-scorer in Australia after Sachin Tendulkar. This formidable record underscores his potential impact in the series.
India’s Challenge in Perth
The opening Test in Perth will test India’s depth, with Kohli leading the charge against a well-prepared Australian attack. Head expressed confidence in his team’s strategy while hoping for standout performances from his teammates over the five-match series.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises an intense contest, with Kohli’s form likely to play a decisive role in India’s fortunes.
