Remember when Virat Kohli would walk out to bat in Australia, and bowlers would get that sinking feeling in their stomachs? Well, former India selector M.S.K. Prasad certainly does, and he’s backing King Kohli to rediscover that old magic when India tours Down Under later this year.
“Virat Kohli is like duck getting into the water when in Australia”
“Virat Kohli is like a duck getting into the water when he goes to Australia,” Prasad said on Star Sports, painting a vivid picture of Kohli’s love affair with Australian conditions. You can almost sense his excitement when he adds, “He must be eagerly itching to just finish off this Wankhede Test match and then go play in Australia.” Prasad, who was in the Indian men’s selection committee for four years, played 6 Tests and 17 ODIs for India.
Poor form by Virat Kohli
But here’s the thing – the numbers recently haven’t been quite what we’ve come to expect from Virat. 2024 has been a bit of a mixed bag in Tests, with 245 runs from ten innings at an average of 27.22. It’s the kind of statistic that makes you do a double-take, especially when you remember this is Virat Kohli we’re talking about.
The World Test Championship 2023-25 paints a slightly brighter picture, though. Kohli’s been more like himself there, notching up 556 runs at a solid 42.76, including a century that reminded everyone of his class. But let’s be honest – the 2020s haven’t been the kindest to Kohli in Test cricket. An average of 32.73 over 33 Tests tells its own story of a champion working hard to find his rhythm.
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Kohli & his love-affair vs AUS
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy couldn’t have come at a better time. Starting November 22 at Perth, the five-Test series is exactly the kind of challenge Kohli thrives on. There’s something about the bounce of Australian pitches, the chirping crowds, and the fierce competition that brings out the best in him. In fact, Kohli averages 54.08, which is his best in any away nation in Tests. He has clubbed six centuries Down Under, which is the most by any visiting batter in Australia since 2000.
Most runs in Australia by visiting batters since 2000 ft. Virat Kohli
| Player | Span | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s | 4s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AN Cook (ENG) | 2006-2018 | 36 | 1664 | 244* | 48.94 | 5 | 5 | 171 |
| V Kohli (IND) | 2011-2024 | 25 | 1352 | 169 | 54.08 | 6 | 4 | 215 |
| SR Tendulkar (IND) | 2000-2012 | 25 | 1212 | 241* | 55.09 | 3 | 5 | 214 |
| VVS Laxman (IND) | 2000-2012 | 25 | 1189 | 178 | 49.54 | 4 | 4 | 161 |
| KP Pietersen (ENG) | 2006-2014 | 26 | 1144 | 227 | 45.76 | 2 | 6 | 112 |
