"I seriously don’t think Australians will be as silly to do this" - Michael Clarke doubts the Aussies will sledge Virat Kohli during 2024-25 BGT
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has ruled out the possibility of the Aussies sledging Virat Kohli during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22 in Perth. He opined that Australia would steer clear of provoking Kohli, as it would only play into his hands.
Clarke pointed out that Kohli thrives on such challenges, and any attempt to rile him up would only fuel his determination. In an interview with Revsportz, Michael Clarke said:
“I seriously don’t think the Australians will be as silly to do this. That’s exactly what Virat wants. He wants them to get into a fight with him. He will use it to get into the action. You shouldn’t give him that opportunity, and I am sure the Australians know it. He is much loved out here for all that he has done and achieved, and I am waiting to see him bat here. As I said, if India is to do well and win, Virat Kohli will have to score the maximum number of runs for the team.”
The 43-year-old also remarked that the Delhi-born cricketer will be highly motivated and is well-acquainted with the conditions. He stressed that for India to succeed in the series, Kohli will need to score substantial runs. Clarke added:
“Virat Kohli has had a lot of success in Australia – six hundreds in 13 Test matches, if I remember right. He still has the game. He will be hungry and he will know the conditions will suit him. I am very sure he will score the maximum runs for India if they are to win or do well in this series."
"As an Australian, I’d want Australia to keep him quiet. If he gets runs in the first game, he will get runs all series and will make it count. He loves the fight, mate, and loves getting into the action. See the build-up around him. All of this will pump him up for sure."
Virat Kohli struggled in the most recent Test series against New Zealand, accumulating just 93 runs from six innings.
Virat Kohli has a brilliant Test record against Australia
The 36-year-old has played 25 Tests against Australia, amassing 2,042 runs at an average of 47.48, with five fifties and eight centuries. His record in Australia is even more remarkable, with 1,352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08, including four half-centuries and six hundreds.
Kohli will be looking to replicate his success in Australia as India aim to win the series and strengthen their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.