Former India coach Ravi Shastri has expressed optimism that Virat Kohli can rediscover his form during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Kohli’s recent Test performances have been below par, with only one half-century in the five matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
Shastri believes that composure will be key for Kohli’s success in Australia. “Your juices are flowing, you’re charged up. It’s again a case with Virat. You want to see calmness because at times you are over-eager to get out there and throw the first punch,” Shastri said on the ICC Review show.
He emphasized the importance of Kohli avoiding rushing his innings. “But I think that calmness in the first half an hour where he gets out to bat or in the first three innings of the series will be extremely important. If he can be calm and play the game at his own pace rather than being in a hurry, I think he’ll be fine,” Shastri added.
Kohli has a strong track record in Australia, with 1352 runs in 13 matches at an average of 54.08. He has also scored six centuries and four fifties in Australia. Shastri expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to perform well in familiar conditions.
“Well, the King is back in his territory. That’s all I will tell them. When you’ve earned that title after your exploits in Australia, it will be on your (opponent’s) mind when you go out to bat,” said Shastri.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22nd and will feature five Test matches, marking the first time since 1991/92 that the series will have these many games.
