5 ways Australia is building up for Virat Kohli's arrival for BGT 2024-25
As India gear up to face Australia in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, Australian media and fans are already creating a wave of excitement around the arrival of Virat Kohli. A renowned figure in world cricket, Kohli's form and persona have historically captivated audiences, and this series is shaping up to be no exception.
Even as Team India seek redemption after a tough defeat against New Zealand, Kohli remains a focal point of Australian media coverage. The five-match series, starting on November 22, holds massive stakes, with India aiming to secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
From front-page features to quotes from cricket legends, the anticipation for Kohli’s presence is at an all-time high. Adding to the buzz are some unique touches from the Australian media and fans, who have even adapted to Indian languages in their coverage to match Kohli's popularity.
Here are five notable ways Australia is building up for Kohli's arrival ahead of the BGT 2024-25.
#5 Front-page features in local newspapers
Australian media is pulling out all the stops, dedicating prime front-page coverage to Kohli ahead of the BGT. Local newspapers like The Daily Telegraph and The Advertiser have prominently featured Kohli, with striking headlines in Hindi and Punjabi, including phrases like “Yugon ki ladai” (Fight for the ages) and “Ek Nava Raja” (The new king).
This cultural adaptation highlights not just Kohli's popularity but also the gravity of this series, making it a rare moment where Australian media has gone to such lengths for a visiting player.
#4 High-profile comments from Ricky Ponting
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has been vocal in backing Kohli, expressing confidence that he will regain his peak form in the upcoming series. Ponting highlighted Kohli's quiet streak in red-ball cricket during his interview with ICC.
"I saw a stat the other day about Virat, it said he's only scored two (three) Test hundreds in the last five years. That didn't seem right to me, but if that is right, then that is, I mean, that's a concern," he said.
Despite this dry patch, Ponting remains optimistic about Kohli's comeback. Ponting’s support is indicative of Kohli's reputation and his formidable record against Australia, fueling excitement for his performance.
“There wouldn't be anyone else probably even playing international cricket as a top-order batsman that's only scored two Test match hundreds in five years… you don’t ever question the greats of the game."
"There's no doubt, he's a great of the game. He loves playing against Australia. In fact, I know he loves playing against Australia. And as I said, his record (in Australia) is very good. If there's a time for him to turn it around, it'd be this series. So I wouldn't be surprised to see Virat make runs in the first game," he added.
#3 Media speculation on Kohli's 'Farewell' Series
Amidst Kohli’s recent struggles, Australian media has hinted that this series may serve as a farewell tour for the cricket icon.
A report in the Herald Sun stated:
"This summer, the man looks set to be farewelled on these shores."
This is a sentiment that has resonated with fans as Kohli approaches the latter stages of his career. The report contrasted Kohli’s legacy with the emerging talent of Yashasvi Jaiswal, suggesting that Jaiswal might be poised to captivate Australian fans similarly, calling him “the most exciting Indian batter of his generation.”
#2 Channel 7’s unique poster highlighting Kohli
Channel 7, one of Australia’s major TV networks, added to the hype by featuring Kohli prominently on its poster for the BGT, alongside Australian captain Pat Cummins. Traditionally, both team captains are featured, yet Rohit Sharma was notably absent.
By positioning Kohli in this way, the network further shows his unparalleled influence in this rivalry, signaling that his arrival is massive, and one eagerly awaited by Australian audiences.
#1 Australian writers capturing Kohli’s legacy and evolution
Australian cricket writers have been reminiscing about Kohli's extensive history in Australia. These writers have highlighted Kohli's journey, from his fiery gestures in 2011-12 to his composed leadership later on. Speaking with 'The Grade Cricketers', two Australian journalists went on to talk about Kohli ahead of the BGT 2024-25.
"Its not fun being an Indian batter in India anymore. Kohli must be licking his lips about getting to Australia. He'd certainly be breathing a sigh of relief," one journalist stated.
Another journalist spoke of the anticipation to watch Kohli in Australia.
"Great players look for good signs. They look for talisman. And of course, Kohli made a hundred, didn't he in 2018-19 in Perth. He had a game that looked really well suited to those conditions. I'd love to see him do it again. I think there's a lot of goodwill towards Kohli in Australia too," he said.
"Because you know, we've watched his evolution as a player. He's come here a lot since 2011-12, we've seen every conceivable model of Kohli haven't we? We've seen the stormy petrel of his first series when he's flipped the bird to the crowd. He ascended captain in 2014-15. And then the peacemaker in 2018-19. There's always that element of combustibility and unpredictability about him," he further added.
These comments not only reflect Kohli’s stature but also the intrigue he brings, embodying the rivalry between the two cricketing nations.
"And we love writing about him, too. When it's a slow day at the cricket, you just think what's Kohli up to? I'll write a Kohli column,'' he concluded.