Sunday, 22 December 2024
Sunday, 22 December 2024
Ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australian cricketers and experts seem preoccupied with one name—Virat Kohli. The Indian stalwart has been struggling with the bat lately, but his ability to perform in Australia is a constant source of anxiety Down Under.
From Shane Watson’s advice to "leave him alone" to Glenn McGrath’s suggestion to "go hard," the opinions are divided. Some see Kohli’s form as a waning force; others worry it’s the calm before a storm that Kohli can conjure.
Is this genuine concern or another classic Australian mind game designed to put pressure on the Indian team?
Let’s dive into what the Australians are saying and whether their apprehension hides a more calculated strategy.
Shane Watson says ‘leave Kohli alone’
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson believes the key to neutralising Virat Kohli is avoiding confrontations. Watson, who has witnessed Kohli’s fiery brand of cricket up close, warned that provoking him will reignite the intensity that has powered some of Kohli’s most memorable performances.
“The fire burns so deeply within him that any provocation fuels his superhuman intensity,” Watson shared on the Willow Talk podcast. "Australia should just leave him alone and hope he doesn't bring his nine-out-of-ten intensity to every ball."
Kohli’s record in Australia is stupendous. With over 1,300 runs at an average of 54.08 across 13 Tests, the numbers suggest the Aussies have every reason to worry about him. Watson’s advice hints at an underlying fear of a player who thrives on adverse conditions.
‘Kohli will have his moments’: Travis Head
Australian batter Travis Head didn’t shy away from acknowledging Kohli’s potential impact on the series. "Virat’s going to have his moments," Head said during a press conference. "Hopefully, not too many of them."
Despite Kohli’s lean run of form in recent months, Head remains wary of the Indian captain’s knack for bouncing back. "Over five Tests, you can’t expect a player of his calibre to remain silent. The challenge for us is to contain those moments," he added.
Is Head’s acknowledgment of Kohli’s brilliance a genuine admission or part of a psychological ploy to keep him under pressure?
Glenn McGrath urges Aussies to ‘go hard’
While Watson advocated restraint, pace legend Glenn McGrath took an opposite view. McGrath believes Australia should exploit Kohli’s emotional nature and put him under pressure from the first ball.
"Virat can be emotional, and that can be a weakness," McGrath told CODE Sports. "Australia has plenty of ammunition after India’s 3-0 series loss to New Zealand. If Kohli doesn’t get a good start, it will be difficult for him to recover."
This advice fits into Australia’s tradition of using verbal and on-field aggression to unsettle opponents. Of which, Gleen Mcgrath was a master.
Nathan Lyon’s respect for Kohli’s pedigree
Australian spinner Nathan Lyon took a more balanced approach, expressing respect for Kohli’s undeniable class. "You don’t write off champions," Lyon stated, reflecting on Kohli’s patchy form. "He’s had a tough time recently, but look at his record. Virat has always been a fierce competitor."
Lyon’s words strike a chord, considering the mutual respect between two veterans of the game. "Facing Kohli is always challenging because he thrives on proving people wrong. He might be out of form, but underestimating him could be a grave mistake," Lyon added.
Ian Healy’s tactical suggestions
Former wicketkeeper Ian Healy went one step further, offering Australia’s bowlers a detailed plan to dismantle Kohli. "Target his front pad and make him insecure," Healy advised on SEN Radio. "If that doesn’t work, resort to body bashing with short-pitched deliveries."
Healy’s technical suggestions reflect a deeper analysis of Kohli’s recent vulnerabilities. "Virat thrives on challenges, so we need to keep him guessing," Healy concluded.
Australia’s quicks, including Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, will execute this plan with precision.
David Warner is 'worried' for Australia
David Warner’s column in The Herald Sun offers a sobering view of Kohli’s potential impact. "I’m genuinely worried for Australia," Warner admitted, pointing to Kohli’s love for batting in Australian conditions.
Warner believes Kohli will be fuelled by the criticism of his form. "This is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and Kohli always steps up for this challenge," he added.
Warner’s concerns come with an underlying sense of admiration for Kohli’s ability to rise to the occasion.
Fear, chaos, or calculated ploy?
This could be Kohli’s final Test series in Australia. While Australian players and pundits acknowledge Virat Kohli’s brilliance, their words also hint at a possible psychological strategy to unsettle India’s biggest match-winner.
Are these statements a ploy to lull Kohli into overconfidence or to put further pressure on him? As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy gets underway, all eyes will be on whether the Aussies’ mind games can tame Kohli or he will prove once again why he is the champion of Test cricket.
