Cricket

Virat Kohli, the prolific Indian batsman, stands on the cusp of another significant milestone in his illustrious career. As India prepares to face Australia in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth on November 22, Kohli has the opportunity to surpass Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid in terms of runs scored against the Aussies.Kohli has amassed 2,042 runs against Australia in 25 Tests, averaging 47.48. He requires just 102 more runs to overtake Dravid, who scored 2,143 runs in 32 Tests against the Aussies. Kohli's record against Australia includes eight centuries and five half-centuries, showcasing his dominance against one of the world's top cricketing nations.Currently ranked fifth among Indian batters with the most runs against Australia, Kohli has the potential to move up the ladder and cement his place among the all-time greats. Cheteshwar Pujara, who is not part of India's squad for the upcoming series, occupies the fourth spot with 2,074 runs in 25 Tests.Former star VVS Laxman sits second on the list with 2,434 runs in 29 Tests at an average of 49.67. The legendary Sachin Tendulkar leads the chart with a staggering 3,630 runs in 39 Tests at an average of 55. Tendulkar's record includes 11 centuries and 16 fifties, highlighting his exceptional dominance against Australia.Kohli's pursuit of Dravid's record is a testament to his consistency and longevity at the highest level. The Indian captain has been a cornerstone of the team's success in recent years, and his ability to perform against Australia, one of the most formidable opponents in world cricket, is a testament to his class.As India embarks on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli will be eager to add to his tally against Australia and etch his name further into the annals of Indian cricket history.

Virat Kohli's return to the Indian Test team has been met with much anticipation, and his performance in the match simulation at the WACA has provided some insights into his current form. Kohli's first stint at the crease lasted only 15-20 minutes, during which he scored just 15 runs before being dismissed by Mukesh Kumar. However, he returned to the middle later in the session and looked more fluent, scoring 30 runs without losing his wicket.Kohli's initial struggles were attributed to the bounce and pace of the WACA pitch, which made it difficult for him to execute his trademark drives. He faced a variety of bowlers, including Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, Navdeep Saini, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, but it was Mukesh who posed the biggest challenge. Mukesh's skiddy deliveries forced Kohli to play cautiously, and he was eventually dismissed while attempting to connect a delivery on the fifth stump.Despite his early dismissal, Kohli showed signs of improvement in his second stint at the crease. He displayed better judgment of line and length, and his hand-eye coordination was sharp. He also produced some brilliant cover drives, indicating that his timing is still intact.Kohli's performance in the match simulation is encouraging, but it remains to be seen how he will perform in the actual Test match. With Rohit Sharma likely to miss the Perth encounter, the onus will fall on Kohli to lead India's batting unit. He will need to be at his best if India is to have a chance of winning the series.

India's decision to conduct closed-door practice sessions ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) opener in Perth has raised concerns among cricket experts. Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali believes it reflects a lack of confidence within the Indian team.India has dominated the BGT for a decade, but their recent form has been inconsistent. They were whitewashed 0-3 in the home Test series against New Zealand and have struggled to find their rhythm in red-ball cricket. The absence of star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who is expected to miss the first Test, has further compounded their problems.Basit Ali believes that India's closed-door practice sessions are a sign of their low confidence. "The Indian team's confidence at the moment is down," he said. "They are practicing behind closed doors, sorry to say that."He added that India should have played more warm-up matches to prepare for the Australian conditions. "The kind of preparation they should have had before the series is not there," he said. "They should have played (warm-up) matches and tackled their (Australian) bowling."Basit Ali also suggested that India should consider including wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI for the Perth Test. Jurel impressed with knocks of 80 and 68 in the unofficial Test between India A and Australia A in Melbourne."My personal opinion is that Jurel, who is in form, should be included in the playing eleven," Basit said. "In Australia, whosoever is in form should be played...So what if he (usually) bats at No. 5 or 6! Push him to No. 3. He has guts, is a good player of the cut and pull shots. It might pay."Basit Ali also advised Virat Kohli to practice more against left-arm fast bowlers, especially Khaleel Ahmed. "Let me give one piece of advice," he said. "I think Khaleel (Ahmed) is there. Practice more against the left-arm (fast) bowler, especially Virat Kohli."The first Test of the BGT begins in Perth on November 22. India will be looking to defend their title and extend their dominance in the series.

Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, faces a crucial test as he prepares for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The Australian soil has been a witness to Kohli's dominance in the past, but this time, he carries the burden of regaining form and securing his legacy in Test cricket.Kohli's recent performances have been far from his usual standards. In 19 international matches this year, he has managed only 488 runs at a dismal average of 20.33. His struggles in Tests have been particularly concerning, with just two centuries and nine fifties since 2020.Despite his current form, Kohli remains a formidable opponent in Australian conditions. Former Australian opener David Warner has warned his team about Kohli's potential to rise to the occasion. "Virat always steps up in Australia and embraces the challenge like no one else," Warner wrote. "I'm genuinely worried for the Australian cricket team that he's going to come out and pile on some runs."Kohli's peak form from 2016-2019 saw him amass 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at an astonishing average of 66.79. During this period, he smashed seven double centuries, a record for a Test captain. However, since 2020, his average has dropped to 31.68.The upcoming tour of Australia presents Kohli with an opportunity to rediscover his form and silence his critics. A strong performance could not only boost his confidence but also secure his place in the Indian Test team amid potential transitions after the ICC World Test Championship cycle.Kohli's legacy in Test cricket is at stake. A successful tour of Australia could cement his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. However, a continued slump in form could raise questions about his future in the longest format of the game.

Virat Kohli's 2014-15 Border Gavaskar Trophy heroics against Australia, where he scored four centuries and a fifty, ignited a fierce rivalry with Mitchell Johnson. The former Australian pacer, in a recent column, recalled their intense on-field battles, acknowledging Kohli's unwavering determination and competitive spirit.Johnson's strategy was to unsettle Kohli early in his innings, hoping to provoke a reaction that would disrupt his focus. However, Kohli proved to be a formidable opponent, using Johnson's aggression as fuel to power his performances.One notable incident occurred during the Boxing Day Test, when Johnson's throw at the stumps hit Kohli, sparking a verbal exchange. Kohli's subsequent comments about Johnson's lack of respect further fueled the rivalry.Despite Johnson's attempts to rattle Kohli, the Indian superstar remained unfazed, scoring a brilliant 169 in the first innings of the Melbourne Test. Johnson admitted that getting Kohli out early was crucial, as he could quickly turn the tide of the match.However, Kohli's recent form has been a far cry from his peak. In his last 10 Test innings, he has managed only 99 runs against Bangladesh and 93 against New Zealand. As India prepares for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Kohli's ability to regain his former dominance will be crucial for their chances of success.The first Test of the five-match series begins on November 22 in Perth, with India needing to win four matches to qualify for the World Test Championship final. Kohli's performance will be under intense scrutiny as he looks to silence his critics and prove that he remains a force to be reckoned with.

As India embark on a highly anticipated five-match Test series against Australia, star batter Virat Kohli stands on the cusp of etching his name into the annals of cricket history. The former India captain, who endured a disappointing home Test series against New Zealand, will be eager to make amends and shatter several records during the tour.Kohli, who has amassed 1,352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08 in Australia, needs just 458 more to surpass batting legend Sachin Tendulkar as India's all-time leading run scorer in Tests Down Under. Tendulkar, who toured Australia for the final time during the 2011-12 series, accumulated 1809 runs in 20 away Tests against the Aussies, averaging an impressive 53.20.Kohli is also the joint leader in terms of centuries scored by an Indian batter in Australia, alongside Tendulkar. Both players have notched up six Test centuries on Australian soil. The upcoming series presents Kohli with an opportunity to break this record and establish himself as the most prolific Indian century-maker in Australia.In the lead-up to the first Test, Kohli has dominated headlines in Australian media. Opposition players have heaped praise on the former India captain, but all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has injected a touch of humor into the build-up. Marsh joked that he plans to shoulder charge Kohli whenever he reaches 30 runs.Meanwhile, pacer Mitchell Starc, who played alongside Kohli for two seasons in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore, has indicated that he has no intention of engaging in sledging with the talismanic batter. Starc believes that the focus should be on the cricket and enjoying the contest.Kohli's quest for records and his ability to rise to the occasion against formidable opponents will be closely watched throughout the series. If he can overcome the challenges posed by Australia's formidable bowling attack and achieve his goals, he will further cement his status as one of the greatest batters of all time.

India-Australia Rivalry Heats Up Ahead of Border-Gavaskar TrophyAs the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia approaches, the verbal sparring has commenced. Former Australian greats have identified Virat Kohli as India's "key player" and urged the hosts to "go hard" on the emotional Indian captain.Amidst the serious banter, a lighthearted video has emerged featuring current Australian players discussing the upcoming series. Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, and Nathan Lyon engage in a humorous exchange.Marsh recalls India's disastrous 36-all out in the first Test of their 2021 tour of Australia. Khawaja reminds Hazlewood of his impressive 5/8 performance in that match, but Lyon interjects that Australia ultimately lost the series.Marsh attempts to lighten the mood by showing a picture of Rohit Sharma with Lyon and Starc. Starc boasts of dismissing the Indian captain eight times in Tests, but Lyon corrects him, saying, "Actually it's nine, but who's counting?"Khawaja then reveals a card stating that Australia has lost the last four Border-Gavaskar Trophies. Marsh dismisses the card, claiming he has removed all the bad ones from the deck.The first Test of the series begins in Perth on November 22. India must win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final at Lord's in June 2025.

Team India is poised to embark on a challenging tour of Australia, aiming to secure their third consecutive Test series victory on foreign soil. However, the Aussies are determined to halt India's momentum and reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.With captain Rohit Sharma likely to miss the opening Test in Perth, the onus will fall on the rest of the Indian batting lineup to deliver. Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, will be under immense pressure to rediscover his form. Despite his impressive record in Australia, Kohli has struggled in recent times, averaging a mere 22.72 in six matches in 2024.Former Australian captain Michael Clarke believes that Kohli and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will play pivotal roles in India's quest for victory. "Virat Kohli's record in Australia is phenomenal," Clarke said. "If India are to win this series, it has to be Virat Kohli leading run scorer with Rishabh Pant just behind."Kohli has played two Tests in Perth, scoring a half-century in each innings in 2012 and a century in 2018. He will be eager to start the series strongly and set the tone for India's batting.Pant, known for his fearless approach, played a match-winning knock in the fourth Test of India's last tour of Australia at the Gabba in 2021. His unbeaten 89 off 138 balls helped India chase down 328 runs on the fifth day, securing a historic victory at a venue where Australia had been undefeated for 32 years.India's ultimate goal is to win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final, scheduled for Lord's in June 2025. The team will need to overcome the challenges of playing in unfamiliar conditions and facing a determined Australian side.

With the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia approaching, Indian cricketer Shardul Thakur has expressed unwavering confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to deliver despite recent struggles. Kohli and Rohit Sharma have faced scrutiny for their inconsistent form during the New Zealand tour, but Thakur believes Kohli's stellar record and experience in Australia will prove invaluable.Thakur acknowledges the immense pressure on Kohli, emphasizing the high expectations surrounding the star batter. "When Virat bats, we tend to expect him to score a century every time. So, even if he scores 70 runs, it feels like he has failed," Thakur said. However, he highlights Kohli's impressive record, noting that he is second only to Sachin Tendulkar in terms of centuries scored worldwide.Thakur also points to Kohli's outstanding performances in Australia, where he has accumulated over 600 runs in 13 Tests at an average exceeding 50. "Everyone knows, deep down, how well Virat plays in Australia. He has everything - whether it's technique or the right approach - to succeed on the Australian tour," Thakur asserted.Reflecting on his own recovery journey, Thakur admits to initial hesitation after surgery. However, he has regained full fitness and is confident in his bowling abilities. "In the past three or four matches, I have been bowling in full rhythm," he said.Despite his impressive domestic performance, Thakur was overlooked for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad. However, he remains optimistic about future opportunities, particularly with a packed schedule ahead. "My fitness is in great shape now, and since the Australia tour is a long one, opportunities can come anytime," he said.Thakur's confidence in Kohli and his own determination to improve highlight the resilience and optimism within the Indian team as they prepare for the challenging series against Australia.