Virat Kohli is currently navigating one of the toughest phases in his Test career. The iconic right-hander last reached a century milestone against the West Indies in July 2023, but since then, he has struggled to find his rhythm in the longest format of the game. Over his last 10 innings, he’s managed just one fifty-plus score, revealing a clear difficulty in tackling spin—an area critics have increasingly scrutinized.

This recent dip in form has fueled a surge of opinions, with some even speculating about a potential Test retirement for Kohli. Amid these discussions, India is set to tour Australia for the highly anticipated five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke remains optimistic about Kohli’s potential comeback in this series.

Michael Clarke believes that Australia has often brought out the best in Kohli, and he is hopeful that both Kohli and Rohit Sharma will rediscover their scoring prowess on Australian soil. Rohit, too, is facing a dry spell with the bat, adding extra significance to their performances in this series.

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Reflecting on Kohli’s resilience, Michael Clarke said on the Around the Wicket podcast, “India knows they’ve played well in Australia before, and they’ll arrive with that talent and self-belief, hopefully refreshed. That’s the key for Indian players. Virat Kohli—you don’t just stop being that good after so many years. Once he’s fresh, and the same goes for Rohit Sharma, you’ll see the best of them.”

Virat Kohli’s history in Australia stands as a testament to his remarkable abilities. He played a pivotal role in India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2019. Individually, Kohli has scored an impressive 2,042 runs across 25 Tests in Australia, including eight centuries. His maiden Test century came in Adelaide in 2012, where he scored a gritty 116 runs off 213 balls amidst a flurry of lost wickets.

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Adelaide also holds special significance for Kohli, as it was where he debuted as India’s Test captain in 2014, leading India with his aggressive and fearless approach. As the Border-Gavaskar series draws near, fans and critics alike are eager to see if Kohli can reignite his form in a setting that has previously seen him thrive.