Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar believes that the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy, starting on February 9, will provide an opportunity for former Indian skipper Virat Kohli to shine in the longest format of the game. Kohli, who has struggled for runs in Tests in the last couple of years, boasts of a healthy average against Australia with 1682 runs and seven centuries against the No.1 ranked Test side. Bangar expects Kohli to raise his game in the series, citing his love for playing against formidable opponents.
Kohli, who ended his century drought in white-ball cricket against Afghanistan in the group stage of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, currently seems to have rediscovered his old self. However, his last century in Test cricket came in 2019 against Bangladesh and he will be hoping to end his lean run in red-ball cricket in the decisive series against Australia.
“He loves to play against Australia. He loves to have that banter against the Australian players and he raises his game, and Test cricket is a format that brings the best out of Virat Kohli as well,” Bangar said in an interaction on Star Sports. “All the indications are in that direction because he has already made great strides in overcoming the lean patch. Virat Kohli finding back his Test cricket form and winning the series for Team India. I think that’s the headline I want to hear at the end of the series,” he added.
With crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points on offer, both India and Australia will be looking to assert their dominance in the longest format of the game. While all the talk has been around the nature of the pitches in the sub-continent, it is Kohli who can make all the difference in the four-match series.
In conclusion, the Border Gavaskar Trophy provides an exciting opportunity for Virat Kohli to return to form and make a big impact in Test cricket. With the former Indian skipper in good form and eager to take on the challenge, Indian fans will be hoping to see their batting ace shine against the Aussies in the upcoming series.
