‘I’ll need to elevate myself to defeat them’ – Virat Kohli reveals his fighting mantra while facing Australia

Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: X(Twitter/StarSportsIndia)

With India gearing up to face Australia in a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting on November 22, one name that has been making the rounds is none other than star batter Virat Kohli.

With 5,203 international runs against Australia, his highest against any opposition, including 16 centuries and 27 half-centuries, the 35-year-old has consistently proved his ability to perform at the highest level against the men in baggy green. Kohli’s approach to facing Australia is particularly impressive because of his deep understanding and respect for their competitive spirit.

“I think that mindset is very clear to me. That they are such a competitive team that 11 people on one page and everyone knows what’s going on in the game and even if they get an inch of it then they will try to capitalize. So my motivation increases more against this team who have been aware enough, present at all times,” Kohli said in a video posted by Star Sports.

Watch the video below: 

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I want to take it on next level: Virat Kohli

The former Indian skipper also revealed his mindset against Australia has always been a mix of both admiration and determination. He lauded the opposition’s zeal to come back from tricky positions which fuels a similar fighting spirit in the batter.

“Their skill set is high and also so competitive that I’ll need to elevate myself to defeat them. Otherwise, the motivation, the drive and the awareness that they have, they won’t even give you a chance to come back into the game,” he added.

The Delhi-born’s leadership was crucial in 2018-19 when he became the first Indian captain to secure a Test series victory on Australian soil. Following that win India went on to win their last four bilateral Test series against Australia.

“So this thing always worked for me, when it came down to Australia and that’s because they play cricket in such an intense manner. I want to take it to the next level,” he concluded.

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