November 20, 2024: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed confidence in Virat Kohli’s ability to excel in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, calling it the “biggest Test challenge” for the star batter. Pathan believes that despite Kohli’s recent struggles with the bat, the challenging conditions in Australia, which have historically suited his playing style, could be the perfect stage for him to rediscover his best form.
Kohli’s recent slump has been a topic of discussion, with his performances in the last four years being notably below his usual high standards. He has accumulated just 1,838 runs in 34 Tests at an average of 31.68, including only two centuries and nine fifties. However, Pathan is optimistic that the upcoming series in Australia will provide Kohli with the right kind of challenge to ignite his competitive spirit and perform at his best.
Irfan, who orchestrated India’s sole Test victory in Perth in 2008, believes Kohli will “feed off” the energy and big challenges to exude dominance on Australian turfs once again.
“Why I believe Virat Kohli will excel in Australia: 1) He thrives against pace. Despite his recent dip in Test form, his numbers against pace remain exceptional. Australia’s fast and bouncy pitches will play to his strengths. 2) Kohli feeds off energy and big challenges. The Aussies will come hard at him, and there’s no bigger Test challenge than playing Australia in their backyard. This is when Kohli’s competitive spirit truly shines,” Pathan wrote on X.
Kohli has a stellar record in Australia, with 1,352 runs from 16 Tests at an average of 54.08, including six centuries and four fifties. His ability to handle the pressure and excel against Australia’s quick bowlers has made him a nightmare for the Aussies in their own backyard. In his career, Kohli has scored 2,402 runs in 25 Tests against Australia, with five half-centuries and eight centuries to his name.
Pathan, who was part of India’s only Test victory in Perth in 2008, believes that this series could be a turning point for Kohli, allowing him to rise to the occasion and reaffirm his place among the game’s greats. With Australia known for its fierce competition, Pathan’s faith in Kohli’s ability to bounce back on this challenging stage is a testament to the batter’s resilience and his previous successes in Australian conditions.
