Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes Virat Kohli has the track record to turn around his poor form in the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia. Kohli arrived in Australia after a horror outing with the bat against New Zealand at home, where he scored just 93 runs in six innings in a shock 0-3 defeat at home. However, Gavaskar is confident of a turnaround, especially given Kohli's exceptional record in Australia. Historically, Australia has been a stage where Kohli has performed spectacularly, scoring 1352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08. He also scored six centuries and four fifties Down Under.
“Yes, I have. That's because he hasn't scored any runs against New Zealand. He'll be very, very hungry. Even in that Adelaide Test match, where we were out for 36 in the second innings. In the first innings, Kohli had 70 plus if I remember correctly. Then he was out. So all the times he has played in Adelaide he has scored runs. So even here it is a familiar territory for him,” Gavaskar told Star Sports during an interaction .
However, Gavaskar suggested that if Kohli scores numerous runs in Australia, he needs to see those first few balls to calm his nerves.
“Before Adelaide it was Perth. He got one of the best centuries in Perth in 2018-2019. Great, great 100. So when you've got runs under your belt in certain areas you just feel a bit confident. Of course you have needs luck to survive at the start and the ball can be a bit small so if he gets off to a good start he gets big runs,” he explained.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series begins on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. The second Test, a day-night affair, is scheduled for December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval. The third test will take place from December 14 to 18 at The Gabba in Brisbane.
The traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will take place from December 26 to 30, followed by the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7. This series promises an exciting match and a potential turning point in Kohli's career.
(With ANI inputs)
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