Virat Kohli, the veteran Indian batter, has firmly established himself as a global icon over the years, not just for his cricketing prowess but also for his larger-than-life presence in the sport. As India gears up for the highly anticipated five-match Test series against Australia, Kohli’s image continues to dominate the promotion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25), even though he is no longer the team captain. This highlights his continued status as the face of Indian cricket, despite the leadership change.
In addition to his prominence in the media, Kohli’s signature MRF Genius Grand King bat has become a collector’s item, fetching an astonishing AUD 2,985 (approximately INR 1.62 lakh) at the Greg Chappell Cricket Centre in Sydney. This price tag is five times higher than the VIP tickets for Coldplay’s highly anticipated concert in Ahmedabad, showcasing just how much Kohli’s brand transcends the sport itself.
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The remarkable pricing came into focus after YouTuber Norman Kochanek documented the high-end cricket equipment at the centre. To put it into perspective, Coldplay’s most expensive tickets in India are priced at INR 35,000, far less than the price of Kohli’s autographed bat.
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Beyond the merchandise, Kohli’s performance in Australia has been nothing short of spectacular. Between 2016 and 2019, he maintained an average of over 55 in Test cricket on Australian soil, with standout years in 2016 and 2017, where his average exceeded 75.
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As the BGT 2024-25 looms, both teams are poised to fight for crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points, which will help secure their place in the final. Australia, looking to end their run of home series defeats to India, faces a daunting challenge, while the Indian team, coming off a disappointing performance against New Zealand, will be eager to bounce back and assert their dominance.
