New Delhi: Former Australia batter Mathew Hayden backed Virat Kohli to deliver crucial performances for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Hayden believes that star batter has a proven ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.
Team India’s regular captain Rohit Sharma will miss the first Test, and Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the series opener due to an injury, which adds extra responsibility to Kohli’s shoulder. The former cricketer praised his temperament and highlighted Kohli’s experience on Australian soil.
Kohli’s poor form in recent Test matches
The Men in Blue have lost a home Test series against New Zealand by 3-0. Kohli only managed to score just 93 runs in the series. He struggled to find his rhythm throughout the series. In 2024, the star batter has only managed to score just 250 runs in six Test matches at an average of 22.72.
‘There’s got to be that hunger which Virat always brings to any kind of contest’: Matthew Hayden
Speaking at a virtual interaction hosted by Cricket Australia ahead of the first Test Hayden said that Kohli has dominated the Aussies in their own backyard and he has worked hard on his batting over the years.
“Naturally, there’s got to be that hunger which Virat always brings to any kind of contest and there’s none bigger throughout the course of Test match cricket history. A lot of his influence on the game can be seen not just with bat in hand but also the belief in the contest, the belief in his own fitness levels” Hayden said.
He further added that there is a lot for Virat to play in the series but he can’t carry his immense performances from any season into the current one. He also said that it’s a new series and his average will start from zero again.
“We all know that he’s capable of averaging beyond 50, and he’s the most unsound for his country in the past, second beyond Sachin Tendulkar, but gee, it’s up to him…I wish him all the best” Hayden added.
Sensational record in Australia
Virat Kohli has a stunning record in Australia, scoring 1352 runs in 13 Test matches at an average of 54.08. He has also scored six Test hundreds on Australian soil. As Team India gears up for the first Test in Perth, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli to lead the team from the front.
Matthew Hayden backed Virat Kohli to deliver stunning performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The first Australia vs India Test will start on November 22 in Perth. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
