The cricketing world is abuzz as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, with Australia hosting India for a highly anticipated five-Test series starting November 22 in Perth. Former Australia opener Justin Langer has shared his thoughts on the upcoming battle, advising Pat Cummins and his team not to underestimate India despite their recent struggles.
Team India faces mounting pressure following their disappointing 3-0 home Test series loss to New Zealand earlier this month. Adding to the tension, Virat Kohli’s batting form has been under scrutiny. Over the past four years, Kohli has managed just two Test centuries and in his last ten innings, has surpassed the 50-run mark only once.
With rumors swirling that this might be Kohli’s final tour of Australia, the cricketing legend has more to prove than ever. Langer, however, remains optimistic about Kohli’s ability to rise to the occasion. Langer emphasized the resilience of seasoned players in an interview, saying, “One thing you never do is write off champions, and that’s in every sport, because they are a champion for a reason.”
The former cricketer acknowledged the intense pressure Indian players face, especially with a cricket-crazed nation of over a billion fans demanding excellence. He urged fans and critics alike to relish the presence of cricketing icons like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin while they are still active.
Virat Kohli’s performance in the recently concluded New Zealand series has been far from his usual standards. He averaged just 15.50 in three Tests played in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai, raising concerns ahead of the Australia tour. Despite this slump, Kohli’s record in Australia speaks volumes. With over 1,300 Test runs at an impressive average of 54.08, including six centuries, Langer believes the Indian batter remains a formidable opponent.
“I just hope, if this is the last time (Kohli) is out here, people enjoy it because he is a superstar,” Langer said, adding that Australia’s senior bowling attack will also be a spectacle in the series.
India needs to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by 4-0 to make it to the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the third time in a row, without depending on other results.
