As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia nears, the cricketing world is set for a thrilling contest, with both teams bringing their A-game to the field. India’s recent 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home has left them vulnerable, but the team is still filled with match-winners like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. The stakes are high, and all eyes will be on these stars as India looks to bounce back against their fierce rivals, Australia.
Ahead of the much-anticipated series, the Indian team took a light-hearted break, engaging in a fun session where players shared significant moments from their careers. When Virat Kohli was asked about his best knock in Australia, he fondly recalled his memorable century at the Perth Test during the 2018-19 series.
“My best knock in Australia is definitely my 100 at Perth during the 2018-19 series. I thought that was the toughest pitch I played on in Test cricket, and it was great to get a hundred on that tour,” Kohli said. His response left teammates Mohammed Siraj and Sarfaraz Khan visibly star-struck, as they marveled at his achievements, calling him a “legend.”
Siraj, who has been a key bowler for India, and Sarfaraz Khan, the young promising batsman, were in awe of Kohli’s accomplishments. They looked up to Kohli as a role model and couldn’t help but express their admiration, cementing the camaraderie within the Indian team as they prepare for the high-pressure series in Australia.
While Kohli’s performances have often been the subject of admiration, former cricketer and cricket analyst Sanjay Manjrekar offered valuable insights into how Australian bowlers might target Kohli’s batting in the upcoming series. According to Manjrekar, Kohli is well aware of the tactics that will be used against him, and he will be prepared for the challenge.
“I think Virat knows exactly what’s going to be planned. They’ll start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mindset is. These days, he often leaves balls outside off and looks to drive anything pitched up. Australia might also try to cramp him for room and attack his body since he likes to get forward. This was a tactic New Zealand used effectively,” Manjrekar explained.
Manjrekar added that if Kohli focuses too much on balls outside the off-stump, Australian bowlers, particularly Josh Hazlewood, might target the middle stump line, similar to how Vernon Philander used to trouble right-handed batsmen. Hazlewood’s ability to pinpoint that line could be key to disrupting Kohli’s flow at the crease.
“If he’s focused on balls outside off stump, bowlers like Josh Hazlewood might target that typical Vernon Philander line on middle stump. Australia will test various strategies, and Virat Kohli is fully aware of that,” Manjrekar added.
While the tactics against Kohli are an ongoing discussion, it’s also worth noting the emerging stars within the Indian squad. Mohammed Siraj, who has been one of India’s standout bowlers in recent years, will be crucial in providing breakthroughs against Australia’s formidable batting lineup. Siraj’s pace and aggression will be key assets as he takes on Australia’s top-order.
Young batsman Sarfaraz Khan, on the other hand, has been making waves with his performances in domestic cricket. His rise through the ranks has earned him a spot in the Indian team, and his presence adds a dynamic edge to the batting lineup. The admiration he and Siraj have for Kohli speaks volumes about the spirit within the squad, and it’s likely to fuel their performance in the upcoming series.
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, the focus will undoubtedly be on the tactical battle between India’s batsmen and Australia’s bowlers. While Kohli’s key role in India’s batting will be crucial, the contributions of players like Siraj and Sarfaraz Khan will also play a significant part in the outcome of the series. The camaraderie between experienced players and fresh talents like Siraj and Sarfaraz reflects the balanced strength of the Indian team, and it will be fascinating to see how they handle the pressure in one of the most exciting rivalries in world cricket.
With both teams locked in fierce competition, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a thrilling contest, full of individual brilliance, tactical nuances, and the kind of drama that only India vs Australia can deliver.
(This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Raavi Media takes no responsibility or liability of any nature. Raavi Media management/ythisnews.com can alter or delete the content without notice for any reason.)
