Don’t poke Virat Kohli: Shane Watson warns Australia ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has cautioned Pat Cummins and his team against engaging Virat Kohli in heated on-field exchanges during the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22. Much has been said about Kohli’s dip in form and his eagerness to excel in what is known as his “home away from home” — Australia. However, Shane Watson suggested that Kohli might pose less of a threat if left undisturbed by the Australians.
The spotlight is firmly on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will feature five Tests for the first time since 1991-92. Both India and Australia began training at Perth Stadium on Tuesday, and as expected, Virat Kohli has been a focal point. In an unprecedented move, a group of Australian newspapers released a special issue featuring Kohli on the cover, highlighting the immense popularity of the former India captain. Although he is no longer India’s skipper, promotional campaigns in Australia have positioned Kohli as the face of the visiting team.
“The one thing that I know of Virat is… because the fire burns so brightly and deep inside him, the intensity he brings to every ball that he is engaged in a game has been superhuman,” Watson said in the Willow Talk Podcast.
“But, there have been in recent times where moments in this career that fire has started to go out because it is just so hard to maintain that intensity in every moment he is involved in a game. And, that is where Australia have to leave him alone and hope he doesn’t bring the intensity — nine out of 10 intensity — to every ball,.” he added.
Kohli’s poor form — scoring just 93 runs in three Tests — was a key factor in India’s shocking 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand earlier this month. Despite excelling in the T20 World Cup final and enjoying a productive Indian Premier League season, Kohli has struggled in Test cricket, managing just two centuries in the last five years.
LESSER VERSION OF VIRAT?
Nevertheless, Kohli will take confidence from his strong record in Australia, where he has amassed 1,353 runs, including six centuries, in 13 matches at an average of 54. He also has fond memories of the Optus Stadium, where he scored a century in 2018 — the last time India played there.
“When he has succeeded in Australia, it’s because he has been completely engaged with everything happening on the field. Every ball, every moment — he is fiercely intense, and that focus blocks out all distractions. That’s when he’s at his absolute best,” Watson noted.
“If there’s noise around him and that intensity isn’t there, you’ll see a lesser version of Virat. From an Australian perspective, let’s hope we get that version of him,” he added.
Virat Kohli appeared focused and in high spirits during training sessions at the iconic WACA in Perth last week. He carried that energy into India’s first training session at the Optus Stadium on Tuesday. With both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill unavailable, India will be heavily reliant on Kohli to lead the charge in scoring during the first Test in Perth.
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