Cricket

Virat Kohli Faces Pressure in Upcoming Test Series Against AustraliaFormer Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath believes that the upcoming Test series against Australia could put significant pressure on Indian batsman Virat Kohli. India and Australia will face off in a five-match Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting November 22nd in Perth. India enters the series having won the last four encounters, but a recent 3-0 loss to New Zealand raises questions about their current form.Kohli, a linchpin of the Indian batting lineup for over a decade, has experienced a recent dip in form, averaging just 22.72 in six Test matches this year. With injuries potentially sidelining key batsmen Shubman Gill and captain Rohit Sharma, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on Kohli's performance.McGrath suggests that Australia will be looking to exploit any vulnerability, stating, "So put the pressure on them and see if they're up for it." While Kohli boasts an impressive average of 54.08 in his previous four tours of Australia, McGrath believes the Indian batsman's emotional nature could be a factor in the upcoming series."I think he's probably under pressure a little bit, and if he has a couple of low scores to start with, he could really feel it. I think he's quite an emotional player. When he's up, he's up, and when he's down, he sort of struggles a little bit," McGrath added.Kohli's recent form has been a cause for concern for Indian fans, and McGrath's comments will only add to the pressure on the star batsman. India will need Kohli to be at his best if they are to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Glenn McGrath, the legendary Australian fast bowler, has identified Mitchell Starc and Jasprit Bumrah as the two pacers he believes will dominate the docile pitches in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the West Indies.McGrath, who was speaking at the MRF Pace Foundation ground in Chennai, said that Starc's recent performances in the IPL have been impressive, and he expects him to continue his good form in the World Cup. "We saw Starc at the end of the IPL. He came into his own, which was good to see," McGrath said.The former Australian pacer also praised Bumrah, calling him "the one bowler that batters find it hard, even in T20s, to get on top of." McGrath believes that Bumrah's ability to bowl yorkers and slower balls at will makes him a formidable opponent.McGrath also spoke about the importance of other pacers bowling well in support of Bumrah. "It is who's going to take wickets around Bumrah and who's going to bowl well around him," he said.McGrath expressed his support for the expanded T20 World Cup, which features 20 teams. He believes that it gives more countries the opportunity to participate and experience the tournament. "I like the concept as long as it's not just easy games. It's good experience for these other countries that don't play a huge amount," he said.McGrath also commented on Starc's recent statement that he might consider leaving one format of international cricket to play more franchise cricket worldwide. McGrath expressed his concern about the potential impact this could have on Test cricket. "I guess, personally, my fear is where international cricket will be in 10 years. Hopefully, Test cricket is still held in high regard," he said.However, McGrath also acknowledged the appeal of franchise cricket. "It's quick. It's exciting. I think it's up to the senior players and the administrators, to hold Test cricket in high regard. And international cricket in high regard. But T20 cricket is here to stay," he said.