Retired Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra recently offered insights into the heightened anticipation surrounding Virat Kohli ahead of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy series.
According to Aakash Chopra, much of the excitement stems from Virat Kohli’s exemplary record in Test matches on Australian soil, which has solidified his status as one of the most respected modern cricketers in Australia. “Test is the format if you want to earn respect in Australia and England. No matter how well you do in white-ball cricket, you won’t get that much respect. However, they remember you if you have dominated them with the bat or jolted them with the ball [in Tests],” he said on his YouTube channel. Aakash emphasized how Virat Kohli’s commanding performances in Australia have etched his name in cricketing history.
In contrast, Aakash drew a comparison to India’s current captain, Rohit Sharma, highlighting that while Rohit Sharma has delivered numerous memorable performances against Australia in limited-overs cricket, his Test record in Australia does not command the same respect.
Aakash explained, “Rohit Sharma is an absolute GOAT when it comes to playing against Australia in white-ball cricket. However, Rohit has never played an entire Test series in Australia. He might not play the entire series this time as well. Rohit Sharma has not yet earned that status.” For Rohit to achieve a similar stature, Aakash believes he needs to deliver impactful performances in red-ball cricket against the Aussies.
Virat Kohli’s Test record in Australia is exceptional. In 25 innings on Australian soil, Kohli has scored six centuries and amassed 1352 runs at an impressive average of 54.08. This history of match-winning knocks has cemented his legacy and the respect he commands. In comparison, Rohit Sharma’s Test experience in Australia includes only 14 innings, with 408 runs at an average of 31.38 and no centuries. Aakash’s remarks underscore the weight that performances in the longest format carry when it comes to earning recognition and respect on cricket’s grandest stages, particularly in countries like Australia and England.
