Kohli to Unleash Batting Prowess in Australia, Says Gavaskar

Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, has endured a lean patch in recent Test matches, averaging a mere 22.72 in six games this year. However, legendary Sunil Gavaskar believes that Kohli will bounce back with a vengeance in the upcoming Test series in Australia.

Kohli has a remarkable track record in Australia, averaging an impressive 54.08. Gavaskar believes that this familiarity will give Kohli an edge against the formidable Australian bowling attack. "He's consistently performed at Adelaide, so it's a familiar ground for him," Gavaskar said. "And before Adelaide, it's Perth, where he played one of the finest Test centuries in 2018-19."

Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar anticipates that Australia will target Kohli's off-stump line in the early stages of the series. "They'll start with that line outside the off stump and gauge what his mindset is," Manjrekar said. "Australia might also try to cramp him for room and attack his body since he likes to get forward."

Manjrekar also highlighted the effectiveness of New Zealand's strategy of bowling on the middle stump to Kohli. "If he's focused on balls outside off stump, bowlers like Josh Hazlewood might target that typical Vernon Philander line on middle stump," he said.

Despite the challenges, Gavaskar remains confident in Kohli's ability to overcome adversity. "Because he hasn't got runs against New Zealand, he'll be very, very hungry," Gavaskar said. "If he gets off to a good start, he will get big runs."

Kohli's return to form will be crucial for India's chances of success in Australia. The team will need their star batter to lead the charge against a bowling attack that includes Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon.

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