Ex-Australia star backs Virat ahead of BGT

Matthew Hayden backs Virat Kohli to shine in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, highlighting his experience, hunger, and stellar record in Australia despite recent struggles in Test cricket.

Former Australian captain Matthew Hayden is confident that Virat Kohli will step up for India in the Australia vs India series, which is also known as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Speaking during a virtual media interaction organised by Cricket Australia, Hayden dismissed concerns over Kohli’s recent form, telling about his ability to thrive in this important series.

Kohli’s importance in Rohit’s absence

India faces added pressure with captain Rohit Sharma unavailable for the series opener in Perth starting November 22. Hayden emphasised Kohli’s importance, telling about his vast experience and success on Australian soil as important things in the tour.

“Naturally, there’s got to be that hunger which Virat always brings to any kind of contest, and there’s none bigger throughout the course of Test match cricket history,” Hayden said. He added, “A lot of his influence on the game can be seen not just with bat in hand but also the belief in the contest, the belief in his own fitness levels.”

Kohli’s bad days in 2024

Kohli enters the BGT on the back of a challenging year. In India’s 3-0 home Test series whitewash against New Zealand, he scored just 93 runs, with 70 coming in a single innings. His overall Test performance in 2024 has been below par, with only 250 runs in six matches at an average of 22.72. “So there is lots for Virat to play for,” Hayden said. “We all know that he’s capable of averaging beyond 50, and he’s the most unsound for his country in the past, second beyond Sachin Tendulkar.” he concluded.

Virat Kohli’s impressive record in Australia

Despite recent struggles, Kohli is the best batter we have among everybody in the squad, based on stats. He has outstanding record in Australia. With five centuries and an average of 54.08 from 13 Tests, he has proven his ability to dominate Australian bowlers. Hayden believes Kohli’s and experience will help him rise to the occasion. “In Australia, we want to see Virat Kohli against arguably the best attack that Australian cricket has had in the history of the game,” Hayden concluded.

As India begins the series, all eyes will be on Kohli to lead from the front and deliver a performance that reignites his Test career.