Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan supported a strong position Virat Kohli to excel in Australia’s “biggest Test Test”, the test where his competitive spirit truly shines. India and Kohli’s recent decline has gone hand in hand. Rohit SharmaThe team-led team succumbed to a historic 3-0 home series win against New Zealand weeks before facing Australia in five Tests, starting in Perth on Friday. In four years, Kohli scored just 1,838 runs in 34 Tests at an average of 31.68, amounting to just two centuries and nine fifties.
With India struggling to be up to par and Kohli missing with the bat, the former all-rounder is hoping the star batter can take on his biggest challenge yet, a series that could be a turning point in his career.
Irfan, who masterminded India’s only Test win in Perth in 2008, believes Kohli will be “fueled” with energy and serious challenges to dominate again on Australian soil.
“Why I believe Virat Kohli will do well in Australia: 1) He excels at speed. Despite his recent decline in Test form, his pace performance remains exceptional. The Aussies’ fast, springy serves will play to his strengths. 2) Kohli feeds on energy And the Australians will challenge him and there is no bigger test than playing Australia in their backyard. This is when Kohli’s competitive spirit truly shines,” Pathan wrote on X.
Why I believe Virat Kohli will succeed in Australia:
He succeeds against the pace. Despite a recent decline in his form in Tests, his pace figures remain exceptional. The Australian’s fast, springy serves highlight his strengths.
Kohli thrives on energy and big challenges. …— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 20, 2024
As critics wondered about Kohli’s future, the Australian conditions came as a consolation. In 2012 and 2014, Kohli’s charisma made headlines. With his charismatic demeanor, Kohli scored runs for fun and played with Australian fastballs, considered among the greatest players in the format.
Kohli’s performance in Australia speaks volumes about his ability to perform in grueling conditions. He has become a nightmare for the Australians on their turf with his impeccable batting technique and ability to handle pressure.
In the Australian Tests, the 36-year-old scored 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08 with four fifties and six centuries. Overall, Kohli faced Australia in 25 Tests, scoring 2,402 runs with five half-centuries and eight tons under his belt.
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