India vs Australia: Kohli in the Spotlight as Border-Gavaskar Trophy Nears
Virat Kohli’s name dominates discussions in Australia as the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches. The five-match Test series presents a significant challenge for the Indian cricket team, especially after their recent shameful series loss to New Zealand at home.
Kohli, once the pillar of India’s batting, enters the series with questions hanging over his form. Though his numbers suggest a dip, Australian media and former players like Ricky Ponting and current Aussie batters like Josh Inglis continue to emphasise his potential to turn games around.
Kohli’s Key Stats Ahead of the Series
Kohli’s Test batting average in 2024, was his lowest in a calendar year with at least 10 innings. His batting average in 25 Test innings in Australia, was the highest for Kohli outside India (55.58 in 87 innings).
2014-2021 Peak: During his peak of the career (Dec 2014 to Feb 2021), Kohli amassed 5,608 runs with 21 centuries, second only to Sachin Tendulkar (5,729 runs, 22 tons) for India.
Six Hundred in Australia: Kohli has equaled Tendulkar’s record of six Test centuries in Australia, with only Jack Hobbs (9) and Wally Hammond (7) ahead of him which makes him a great threat in front of Aussies in their home ground.
Kohli’s current career Test average is the lowest since November 2016. His average dipped below 50 in 2022 and has continued to decline.
Since 2020, among 46 top-order batters with at least 1,000 Test runs, Kohli’s average of 31.68 ranks as the sixth-lowest. His tally of two centuries in this period is also among the lowest in the group.
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins, Kohli’s past success in Australia and the hunger to reclaim his form make him a player to watch.
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