The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has always been a battlefield of both skill and spirit, with India and Australia locking horns in fiercely contested matches. Among the many warriors to grace this rivalry, Virat Kohli stands out as one of India’s most formidable generals. His unmatched stroke play, aggressive demeanour, and penchant for big moments have not only made him a nightmare for Australian bowlers but have also fueled India’s historic back-to-back series wins on Australian soil.
Virat Kohli thrives in these high-pressure encounters, and his love for the challenge has defined his legacy. Ahead of the upcoming five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series starting in Perth on November 22, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon revisited one of Kohli’s most iconic performances. Speaking in a video shared by Cricket Australia, Lyon recalled the 2014 Adelaide Test, where Kohli’s dominance was evident.
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“The one battle that stands out is the 2014 Adelaide Test where he (Kohli) scored centuries in both innings. I remember him coming down the pitch saying, ‘Federer,’ every time he got to the non-striker’s end. I was puzzled and asked, ‘Are we playing the wrong sport?’ He just smiled and said, ‘Nah, I’ve got a beautiful forehand.’ It was incredible to see that level of confidence and ease while batting,” Nathan Lyon recounted with admiration.
Nathan Lyon’s “Federer” story about Virat Kohli from 2014 is simply incredible! 🤯 #AUSvIND
See the full video here: https://t.co/ITqfTokuKr pic.twitter.com/LsR7imr4Xz
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 19, 2024
Virat Kohli’s twin centuries of 115 and 141 in that Test remain etched in cricketing lore, even though India narrowly lost the match by 48 runs. His ability to take on Australia’s attack, both with skill and mental toughness, solidified his status as one of the finest batters to play Down Under.
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In 13 Tests on Australian soil, Kohli has amassed six centuries at an average of 54.08, a testament to his dominance. However, his recent form—averaging just 22.72 in six Tests leading up to this series—has sparked concerns among fans and experts. Despite this, Kohli’s reputation as a big-match player keeps hope alive for another memorable performance in this legendary rivalry.
