Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar believes that Virat Kohli has the experience and ability to overcome his recent batting struggles and perform well in the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia.
Kohli has been in poor form with the bat, scoring just 93 runs in six innings during India’s recent 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand at home. However, Gavaskar is confident that Kohli will turn things around, especially considering his exceptional record in Australia.
“Yes, I do [believe he will turn things around],” Gavaskar said in an interview with Star Sports. “That’s because he hasn’t got runs against New Zealand. He’ll be very, very hungry.”
Kohli has a strong record in Australia, having scored 1352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08. He has also scored six centuries and four fifties Down Under.
“Even in that Adelaide Test match, where in the second innings we got out for 36, in the first innings, Kohli had got 70 plus if I recall correctly,” Gavaskar said. “So, all the times he has played in Adelaide, he has got runs.”
Gavaskar suggested that if Kohli can survive the initial few balls of his innings and calm his nerves, he will be able to score big runs.
“Before Adelaide, it’s Perth. He got one of the finest centuries at Perth in 2018-19. Terrific, terrific 100,” Gavaskar said. “So, when you have got runs under your belt on certain grounds, you just feel a little bit confident.”
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series kicks off on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. The second Test, a day-night affair, is scheduled from December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval. The third Test will take place at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18.
The traditional Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground is set for December 26 to 30, followed by the fifth and final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.
