The Indian team is gearing up for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, a five-match Test series against Australia. The action begins on November 22 in Perth, and much of the pre-series chatter has revolved around the form of senior Indian players, particularly the iconic Virat Kohli.
Kohli’s recent Test performances have drawn criticism, with the veteran batter managing just 250 runs in the format this year. His struggles were evident during the recent series against New Zealand, where he scored only 90 runs across three matches. Despite these numbers, former Australian pacer Brett Lee has thrown his weight behind Kohli, expressing confidence in the star batter’s ability to bounce back on Australian soil.
Speaking to FoxCricket, Lee highlighted Kohli’s combative nature and resilience, traits that he believes will shine in the Border-Gavaskar series. “He’s got an Australian mentality, a never-say-die attitude. He doesn’t mind getting into a scrap or having a crack. There has been a lot of conjecture around his form recently, but I’m not worried about that. With Kohli, he has the experience and mental toughness to deliver when it matters most,” Brett Lee stated.
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Lee also emphasized that Kohli’s record in Australia speaks volumes about his capabilities, dismissing concerns over his recent form. “He may have only scored 90 runs against the Kiwis, but who cares? When he comes out here, he has a great record in Australia. He knows how to adapt to these conditions,” Brett Lee added.
Drawing a parallel to his own experience as a bowler, Lee compared facing Kohli to the challenge of bowling to Sachin Tendulkar. “When you’re up against a player of Kohli’s stature, it’s crucial not to get overawed by the name or his achievements. It’s similar to when I bowled to Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli thrives on big occasions and loves a contest, which makes him even more dangerous.”
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As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins, Kohli will undoubtedly be eager to prove his critics wrong and reaffirm his status as one of the modern greats, particularly in conditions where he has thrived in the past. The spotlight is firmly on him, and fans are hopeful that the Indian ace will rise to the occasion.
