Michael Clarke: ‘Virat Kohli Must Lead India’s Run Chart for BGT Triumph’

Perth [Australia], November 17 – Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has emphasized the importance of Virat Kohli delivering a standout performance in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) if India is to win the series. Speaking on the TAB YouTube channel, Clarke highlighted Kohli’s incredible record in Australia, urging him to lead India’s run-scoring charge in the series.

Clarke’s Expectations

Clarke, a World Cup-winning skipper, said Kohli’s record in Australia is even better than his performances at home, citing his six centuries in 13 Tests Down Under.

“Virat Kohli’s record in Australia is phenomenal. I actually think his record is better than what it is in India. If India are to win this series, it has to be Virat Kohli leading run scorer with Rishabh Pant just behind,” said Clarke.

Kohli’s Recent Form

Kohli, however, has endured a rough patch in Test cricket over the last few years. Since 2020, he has managed 1,838 runs in 34 matches at an average of 31.68, with just two centuries and nine half-centuries. In 2023, he has been particularly underwhelming, scoring only 192 runs in five Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand at an average of 21.33, with just one fifty.

Despite these struggles, Kohli’s overall record in Australia gives India hope. He has scored 2,042 runs in 25 matches at a strike rate of 52.41, including a best score of 186.

Kohli’s Career Stats

• Matches: 118
• Innings: 201
• Runs: 9,040
• Average: 47.83
• Centuries: 28
• Strike Rate: 55.76

Border-Gavaskar Trophy Schedule

The highly anticipated Test series kicks off at Perth on November 22.

1. First Test: Optus Stadium, Perth – November 22 to 26
2. Second Test: Adelaide Oval (Day-Night) – December 6 to 10
3. Third Test: The Gabba, Brisbane – December 14 to 18
4. Fourth Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground (Boxing Day Test) – December 26 to 30
5. Fifth Test: Sydney Cricket Ground – January 3 to 7

India’s Squad for BGT

• Rohit Sharma (C)
• Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Dhruv Jurel (Wk)
• Sarfaraz Khan
• Virat Kohli
• Prasidh Krishna
• Ravichandran Ashwin
• Mohammed Shami
• Rishabh Pant (Wk)
• KL Rahul
• Harshit Rana
• Abhimanyu Easwaran
• Shubman Gill
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Mohammed Siraj
• Washington Sundar