Kohli, had scored 116 – first Test hundred in Adelaide in January 2012, making 115 and 141 again at the same place in 2014, where he led India for the firs time in Tests. The ex-captain also made 123, which was the first Test- hundred for an Indian player at the new Perth Stadium in 2018, where he later took the Indian side to a 2-1 series triumph, the first Test series win for India in Australia.
“Because he hasn’t got runs against New Zealand, he’ll be very, very hungry. Even in that Adelaide Test match, where in the second innings we got all out for 36; in the first innings, if I remember correctly, Kohli scored 70 plus runs before getting run out. He is used to performing in Adelaide, as such it is not a new place for him.
“And before Adelaide, it’s Perth, where he hit one of the best Test centuries back in 2018-19. A brilliant hundred. He would have the added advantage of carrying out loads of confidence as he had played on these surfaces. Yes, just a wee bit of luck is needed at the onset, but once he gets going, he will be racking up considerable scores,” added Gavaskar while speaking on Star Sports.
Sanjay Manjrekar, the former Indian cricketer, outlined how he bridged the gap between more than just an Indian fan and an Indian. The Australian bowling attack comprising the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon would look to test him especially in the areas outside the off stump when the series commences in Perth on 22 November.
“I mean, there is no way in hell he will be surprised by any of that fight. I am sure he has faced their off-stump line and gauged his intent before. Nowadays he leaves balls outside off more, waiting instead for the scoop when it is offered. Australia may decide to confine him in a certain area as he likes to come forward and look to execute a few shots towards the body.
“This is how they played against New Zealand but to some extent it worked. If he is concentrating more on the balls pitched outside the off stump, bowlers like Josh Hazlewood will probably aim that famous Vernon Philander’s line at the middle stump. There will be many ways tested and Virat Kohli knows that,” he said.
