Virat Kohli’s Mind Games with Nathan Lyon: A Battle of Wits and Federer Forehands
Sledging and psychological warfare have long been synonymous with Australian cricket. However, there are certain players who the Aussies tend to leave alone, knowing that any attempt to unsettle them only fuels their determination. Virat Kohli is one such player, and his history against Australia is a testament to his ability to rise above the noise and perform at his best.
Ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon recalled a memorable encounter with Kohli during the 2014 Test at the Adelaide Oval. Lyon revealed that Kohli, while batting with ease, would repeatedly approach the non-striker’s end and whisper “Federer.”
“I was like, ‘Oh, okay, what’s this?'” Lyon said. “He kept doing it, every time he’d come down there, he was like ‘Federer, Federer.’ And I said, ‘Mate, I don’t know if I’m wrong, but are we playing the wrong sport if you think you’re Roger Federer?’ And he goes, ‘Nah, nah, I’ve got a beautiful forehand.'”
Kohli’s playful banter was a testament to his confidence and ability to stay focused amidst the pressure of a Test match. Despite Lyon’s attempts to unsettle him, Kohli went on to score centuries in both innings, leading India to a narrow defeat by just 48 runs.
Kohli’s dominance in red-ball cricket in Australia is well-documented. He has scored six hundreds from 13 Tests, averaging 54.08. However, his form has dipped in recent times, with an average of just 22.72 in his six Test matches this season.
After a disappointing 0-3 series loss to New Zealand at home, Kohli enters his seventh tour to Australia with a point to prove. He has scored just one fifty this year and his last Test century came in July 2023 against the West Indies.
India’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championships final rest heavily on their performance in Australia. They need to win four Tests to secure a direct berth in the final, which is scheduled to be held at Lord’s in June 2025.
Kohli’s ability to rise above the sledging and perform at his best will be crucial to India’s chances. His experience and determination will be tested once again as he faces the challenge of the Australian conditions and the relentless mind games of the home team.
