Cricket

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli's recent social media post has sparked concerns among fans ahead of the upcoming Test series against Australia. Kohli, who has been struggling for form in recent months, posted a cryptic message on social media that left many puzzled.In the post, Kohli reflected on the 10-year anniversary of his apparel brand, Wrogn. However, the wording of the post raised questions about his future in cricket. "Looking back, we've always been a bit different. We never fitted into any box they tried putting us in. Two misfits, who just clicked," Kohli wrote.The post continued, "We've changed over the years, but always done things our way. Some called us crazy; others didn't get it." Kohli's words have led to speculation that he may be considering retirement or a break from cricket.However, Kohli's post also expressed a sense of resilience and determination. "But honestly? We didn't care. We were busy figuring out who we are. Ten years of ups and downs, and even the pandemic couldn't shake us," he wrote.Kohli's post has been met with mixed reactions from fans. Some have expressed concern about his future in cricket, while others have praised him for his honesty and vulnerability.Ahead of the first Test against Australia, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting hailed Kohli as a "superstar" of the game. "He's passionate about the way that he plays. He's passionate about his team. He wants to win and he plays with his heart on his sleeve," Ponting said.It remains to be seen whether Kohli's social media post is a sign of things to come. However, one thing is for sure: the Indian star remains one of the most talked-about and polarizing figures in world cricket.

Virat Kohli's immense popularity in Australia stems from his passionate and aggressive approach to cricket, particularly in Test matches. Despite recent challenges in his form, his prominence in Australia remains undiminished.Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting attributes Kohli's appeal to his competitive spirit and willingness to play with his heart on his sleeve. Australian supporters appreciate this emotional and aggressive style, which aligns with their sporting values.Kohli's Test performance in Australia is remarkable, with 1352 runs in 25 innings at 54.08, including six centuries. He led India to a historic victory in 2018/19, achieving the first Test series win by an Asian team in Australia.Ponting emphasizes that Kohli's recognition from Australian supporters is earned through performance. He notes that international cricket stars face varying pressures across different nations and cultures, but Kohli's leadership qualities and willingness to take responsibility for his team in challenging situations have earned him respect.Despite recent struggles in form, Kohli's historical success in Australia suggests that the upcoming tour could be a turning point. In 13 Tests in Australia, he has scored 1,352 runs at 54.08, with six centuries and four fifties.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22 at Perth, followed by a day-night Test at Adelaide Oval from December 6-10. The series continues at The Gabba, Brisbane (December 14-18), followed by the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (December 26-30). The final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground (January 3-7) concludes this significant series.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, has been enduring a lean patch in recent times. His batting form has been a cause of concern, with the former Indian captain failing to accumulate 100 runs in six innings during the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand. However, as India embarks on the highly anticipated Test series against Australia, expectations are high that Kohli will rediscover his old self and lead the team to success.Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Kohli's "in-the-face" attitude will be crucial in the upcoming series. Shastri expects Kohli to be fired up and ready to take on the challenge of facing the formidable Australian bowling attack. He drew parallels between Kohli and Australian batter Steve Smith, suggesting that both players possess the ability to dominate a series if they get a couple of good knocks under their belt.Shastri also highlighted the importance of a strong start for Kohli. He believes that if Kohli can get off to a good start in the first two or three innings, he can set the tone for the series and help India gain an early advantage.However, the Indian team has faced criticism for its lack of organized warm-up matches ahead of the series. Shastri admitted that he would have preferred to see India's first XI take on a team in an organized contest. However, he also expressed satisfaction with the intra-squad three-day simulation game that the players were involved in.Despite the challenges, Shastri remains confident in India's chances of success in Australia. He believes that the team has the talent and experience to overcome the odds and emerge victorious.

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli's unwavering dedication to the sport was evident during India's practice session at Perth's Optus Stadium. Despite heavy rain halting the session, Kohli continued to bat in the nets, showcasing his relentless pursuit of excellence.Kohli's determination was praised by social media users, who hailed his "unreal dedication." Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to regain form during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, citing his past successes on Australian pitches.Gavaskar highlighted Kohli's impressive performances in Perth and Adelaide, where he scored a century in 2018-19. He believes that Kohli's familiarity with these grounds will boost his confidence.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence on November 22 in Perth, with the second Test scheduled for Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The series will then move to Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney for the remaining three Tests.India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series includes Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, and Washington Sundar.Kohli's dedication and Gavaskar's confidence suggest that the Indian batter is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His determination to regain form and his past successes on Australian pitches make him a key player to watch in the highly anticipated series.

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is set to commence, igniting a fierce rivalry that has captivated cricket enthusiasts worldwide. India, who have recently dominated Australia, face a formidable challenge this time around.After a disappointing 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home, India's vulnerability is evident. The spotlight will be on star players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah to deliver against a formidable Australian side.In a lighthearted moment before the battle, the Indian team engaged in a fun Q&A session. Kohli, asked about his best knock in Australia, recalled his century at Perth in the 2018-19 series. "It was the toughest pitch I played on in Test cricket," Kohli said. "It was great to get a hundred on that tour."Former cricketer and analyst Sanjay Manjrekar analyzed how Australian bowlers might approach Kohli's batting. He believes Kohli is aware of the tactics that will be employed against him."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 further elaborated that if Kohli focuses on balls outside the off stump, Australian bowlers, particularly Josh Hazlewood, might target a line on the middle stump, similar to the one Vernon Philander used effectively."Australia will test various strategies, and Virat Kohli is fully aware of that," Manjrekar added.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to unfold, the stage is set for an intense battle between two cricketing giants. India will aim to maintain their dominance, while Australia will seek redemption and reclaim their supremacy.

Virat Kohli's Mind Games with Nathan Lyon: A Battle of Wits and Federer ForehandsSledging and psychological warfare have long been synonymous with Australian cricket. However, there are certain players who the Aussies tend to leave alone, knowing that any attempt to unsettle them only fuels their determination. Virat Kohli is one such player, and his history against Australia is a testament to his ability to rise above the noise and perform at his best.Ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon recalled a memorable encounter with Kohli during the 2014 Test at the Adelaide Oval. Lyon revealed that Kohli, while batting with ease, would repeatedly approach the non-striker's end and whisper "Federer.""I was like, 'Oh, okay, what's this?'" Lyon said. "He kept doing it, every time he'd come down there, he was like 'Federer, Federer.' And I said, 'Mate, I don't know if I'm wrong, but are we playing the wrong sport if you think you're Roger Federer?' And he goes, 'Nah, nah, I've got a beautiful forehand.'"Kohli's playful banter was a testament to his confidence and ability to stay focused amidst the pressure of a Test match. Despite Lyon's attempts to unsettle him, Kohli went on to score centuries in both innings, leading India to a narrow defeat by just 48 runs.Kohli's dominance in red-ball cricket in Australia is well-documented. He has scored six hundreds from 13 Tests, averaging 54.08. However, his form has dipped in recent times, with an average of just 22.72 in his six Test matches this season.After a disappointing 0-3 series loss to New Zealand at home, Kohli enters his seventh tour to Australia with a point to prove. He has scored just one fifty this year and his last Test century came in July 2023 against the West Indies.India's hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championships final rest heavily on their performance in Australia. They need to win four Tests to secure a direct berth in the final, which is scheduled to be held at Lord's in June 2025.Kohli's ability to rise above the sledging and perform at his best will be crucial to India's chances. His experience and determination will be tested once again as he faces the challenge of the Australian conditions and the relentless mind games of the home team.

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has issued a stern warning to the Australian cricket team ahead of their opening Test against India in Perth on Friday. Watson highlighted the intensity and competitive spirit that Virat Kohli brings to the field, cautioning Australia to be prepared for his trademark aggression.The Aussies are set to face India in a highly-anticipated five-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar trophy, and Kohli's form and leadership are likely to play a decisive role. Watson emphasized Australia's need to maintain composure against Kohli's fierce approach.Kohli's performance in Test cricket has been declining over recent years, with his struggles becoming increasingly apparent since 2020. The former Indian captain has been working diligently to recover his exceptional batting form in the traditional format of the game.In 34 Test matches spanning the past four years, he has accumulated 1,838 runs at an average of 31.68, with only two centuries and nine half-centuries to his name. With his prolonged period of modest performances continuing, there is mounting pressure on Kohli to deliver significant contributions across five Tests."The one thing that I know about Virat is because he's the fire burning so brightly and deeply inside of him, the intensity that he brings to every ball that he is engaging in a game has been superhuman. But there have been moments in his career when that fire started to go out because it is so hard to maintain that intensity," Watson said in the Willow Talk Podcast.Despite experiencing a period of reduced performance, Kohli's challenging phase has continued. However, Watson cautioned the Australian side, suggesting they should wish for the Indian stalwart to enter the series without his characteristic vigour. He emphasised that if Kohli regains his typical intensity, spectators worldwide would witness him at his finest form."That is where the Australian team needs to leave him alone, and hope that he doesn't bring that intensity. If he brings that, then that just shuts everything out, and that's when he will be at his very best. But if stuff is going on and that intensity is not there, then you see that not the best version of Virat," he added.

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has expressed confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to perform well in the upcoming Test series against Australia. Clarke highlighted Kohli's impressive record in Australia, where he has scored six centuries in 13 Tests.Clarke believes that the media hype and build-up surrounding Kohli will motivate him to perform. He also emphasized that Kohli's familiarity with the Australian conditions will be an advantage."Virat Kohli has had a lot of success in Australia. He still has the game and will be hungry. The conditions will suit him. I am very sure he will score the maximum runs for India," Clarke said.Kohli's recent form has been a cause for concern, with the batter averaging just 20.33 in 19 international matches this year. However, Clarke believes that Kohli can turn things around in Australia."If he gets runs in the first game, he will get runs all series. He loves the fight and getting into the action. All of this will pump him up for sure," Clarke added.Kohli's struggles in Tests have been particularly noticeable since 2020. In 34 Tests since then, he has averaged just 31.68, with only two centuries.However, Kohli's record in Australia remains impressive. In 13 Tests, he has scored 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08, with six centuries and four fifties.The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia begins on November 22 in Perth. The series will be a major test for Kohli, who is facing increasing pressure to deliver.

Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has urged the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc to exploit Virat Kohli's recent form slump and target his front pad with straighter impact balls. Healy believes that this strategy could put Kohli's forward defense to the test, as he has only averaged 22.72 in his six Test matches this season.Healy also suggests that the bowlers should consider body smashes if the first matchup fails, as Kohli is known for using hook and pull strokes to counter the bowling. Healy recommends bowling at the back armpit and having a short leg position right next to him on the leg side.Kohli has historically dominated red-ball cricket in Australia, scoring six hundreds from 13 Test matches and averaging 54.08. However, Healy believes that the Australian pace trio has the potential to unsettle Kohli and put him under pressure.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India begins in Perth on November 22. Healy's advice to the Australian bowlers could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the series.