Virat Kohli is familiar with the challenges that a tour of Australia usually throws up for an Indian batter. He has been there and done that. But this time, in the lead-up to the latest fight for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, there have been debates on how effective Kohli will be, given his current form.

The Indian great is going through a lean patch. He averages just about 20 in his last 10 Test innings and has scored only three centuries in the last five years while playing the longest format. Is he still the fierce competitor on the field he used to be?

“It’s a very different Virat now, so you can go and have a joke with him … (but) he still scores runs against you,” current Australia opener Usman Khawaja told cricket.com.au.

Alex Carey too found Kohli different during the previous Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, played in India in 2023. “Playing them in India … there was nothing. (We didn’t) get under his skin, and he didn’t try to get under ours. He just performed well with the bat.”

Aussie quick Mitchell Starc is looking forward to the battle with his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate, but insisted that cricket, not sledging, should “do the talking”.

“I got to play alongside Virat for a couple of years in the IPL, so I got to know him off the field a bit and I have always enjoyed the battles together. But I don’t think it’s like him or I have cracks back or forth. It’s more about the cricket and enjoying the contest.

“So he’s not someone I have riled up or tried to rile up. You just have to try and let the cricket do the talking.”

Marnus Labuschagne though believes that the Australians should pull Kohli out of his comfort zone. “You want him to come out of his comfort zone and try to force the game. When he lets the game come to him, he is a very dangerous player,” Labuschagne said.

Mitchell Marsh has a simple plan. “I think I’m going to shoulder charge him when he gets to 30, just take him out,” the all-rounder said tongue in cheek.