Justin Langer and Virat Kohli. (Pic source: Hotstar)
Former Australian coach and legend opener Justin Langer has warned the hosts against writing off star India player Virat Kohli ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting from November 22. Despite India’s recent 3-0 series loss to New Zealand at home and Kohli’s current form slump, Langer still believes in the danger of underestimating players of Kohli’s stature.
India has had an impressive record of holding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2015 and securing consecutive series victories in Australian conditions. However, Kohli’s recent struggles, hitting just one fifty-plus score in his last ten innings, have led to increased scrutiny, including analysis from Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting.
“One thing you never do is write off champions, and that’s in every sport, because they are a champion for a reason. In India, there are one and a half billion cricket-loving people, and then count all the rest around the world, they expect nothing but excellence, and the team will be under intense pressure, so how they fight back will be important,” he told The West Australian.
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If this is the last time out here, people enjoy it because he is a superstar: Justin Langer
Additionally, Kohli has an exceptional record in Australian conditions, where he has scored over 1,300 runs at an average of 54.08, including six centuries in 13 Tests.
Despite his recent average of 15.50 against New Zealand, Kohli is working hard to get his form back. Langer also opened up about the rare opportunity to witness legendary players in action, including not just Kohli but also Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah.
“And they’ll be getting written off for being too old, but people say that all the time, and I just can’t wait to see them play. I just hope, if this is the last time (Kohli) is out here, people enjoy it because he is a superstar, so is Rohit Sharma, so is (Ravi) Ashwin, so is (Ravi) Jadeja, so is (Jasprit) Bumrah. It’s the same with the Australians; the bowling attack is a very senior attack now… so really enjoy it while you can; they are not going to be around forever,” he added.