India’s 2014 tour of Australia remains etched in cricketing memory for two defining moments – MS Dhoni’s surprise Test retirement and Virat Kohli’s rise as the heartbeat of India’s batting. Kohli didn’t just score heavily on that tour; he also showed the Aussies that he was not someone who would ever be intimidated by their sledging.

For Joe Burns, who debuted for Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, it became an unforgettable initiation. Now captaining Italy, Burns recalled how a single exchange with Kohli taught him the golden rule — never poke the bear. After Australia piled up 530 in the first innings, India’s fightback was carried by Kohli’s majestic 169. In the middle of that knock, debutant Burns tried his hand at a cheeky comment while fielding at bat-pad.

Speaking to Crictracker, Joe  Burns recounted the moment vividly: “It was my first Test, I was 24, fielding close in. Virat was well set, and I just said one line: ‘Virat, you got to play some shots.’ He immediately stopped Nathan Lyon, turned to me and said, ‘You don’t talk, rookie.’ The very next ball, he smashed me through the covers. It was embarrassing. I didn’t say a word for the next four days.”

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Burns admitted that the experience left a lasting impression. “It showed me that Virat was not someone to mess with. As a debutant at bat-pad, it wasn’t my place to say anything to him at that point.”

Kohli went on to dominate that series, amassing 692 runs in eight innings with four centuries, cementing his status as India’s next big Test star. Even years later, Burns acknowledged Kohli’s influence, pointing out that despite stepping down from captaincy, the former skipper continues to shape India’s aggressive brand of cricket.

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With 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, Kohli remains one of the most formidable batters of his generation. The 2014 series wasn’t just about statistics; it was a statement. For Australia, it was a lesson in Virat Kohli’s fearless persona, and for Burns, a debut he would never forget.