Virat Kohli‘s career is currently experiencing yet another difficult period. The West Indies tour in 2023 was the last time the batter achieved a century in Test cricket. In addition, his recent performances in the New Zealand and Bangladesh series were disappointing. Only 93 runs were scored in six innings by the premier Indian batsman throughout the series against the Kiwis.
Aside from the slump, which has been plaguing all Indian batters lately, Kohli has been finding it difficult to counter the spin. He was dismissed multiple times while protecting the balls from both wrist and finger spinners.
Marnus Labuschagne, a batter for Australia, recalled his initial thoughts on the 36-year-old as he prepared for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2018.
The batter appears to miss the same appeal, he added. The 2018 series was most likely my first memory of Virat as a player. He was intense, and I believe he was captain at the time. It was a really dramatic series when I watched it. I doubt that I’ve seen that same Virat since the beginning of that series. “It was my first memory,” Labuschagne told Star Sports, “but he’s been a fantastic act for a long time.
India’s “do or die” series in Australia
It is important to remember that India, who suffered a rare series defeat at home to New Zealand, will be facing Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The BGT has never been lost since 2016–17. Additionally, they have won the series both times since they went to Australia in 2016.
Also Read: Australia ‘strong favourites’ in BGT 2024-25 vs ‘brittle’ India: Tim Paine
For India, the series is even more significant because they must win four of the five Test matches in order to go to the World Test Championship finals. However, India is in second place and Australia is at the top of the WTC points table.