Virat Kohli remains the centre of attraction as India prepare for the opening Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in less than a week’s time; and with the batting legend’s lean patch, Australian pacers will look to put him under pressure right from the start of the series — feels former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar.
Talking about 2024, Kohli has just 488 runs to show from 25 innings in 19 international matches so far this year at an average of 20.33, including only two half-centuries. Add to that his dismal numbers in lead-up to the BGT, and the picture looks grimmer.
In his last 10 Test innings before flying to Australia, Kohli scored 93 runs in the three Tests against New Zealand and 99 runs in the two Tests against Bangladesh.
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Speaking on the Kohli vs Australia battle during a Star Sports show, Manjrekar said the hosts will have their plans in place and Kohli would be aware of what to expect from the pace battery of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
“Virat knows exactly what’s going to be planned. They’ll start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mood is. These days he looks to leave balls outside the off-stump and if they have anything that is pitched right up, he will look to drive,” Manjrekar said.
“Nowadays, they are also trying to cramp him for room and attack his body because he loves to get forward so much. So that is something New Zealand tried, which is very smart. And then if he is so focused outside off, that typical one (plan) of landing a ball on the middle stump, which Josh Hazlewood would try,” he added.
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Kohli’s form will be crucial to India’s chances of retaining the BGT and qualifying for the World Test Championship final, which requires the visitors to accomplish the tough task of winning four of the five Tests Down Under.