"If India has to win, he has to score a lot of hundreds" - Cheteshwar Pujara on Virat Kohli ahead of BGT 2024-25
Cheteshwar Pujara believes that Team India's ace batter Virat Kohli will have to be at his vintage best in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. He opined that the senior player will have to step up and score big runs for the visitors to stand a chance.
Pujara suggested that the onus will be on Kohli, given that he is the most experienced batter in India's lineup. Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the Test series opener, the 36-year-old said:
"He plays a very important role in this series and I think he's the guy who will have to do the job. Because if you look at the experience in this squad, he's the most experienced player. The kind of player he has been throughout the career, we want the Virat Kohli, the one who has been scoring lot of runs, we want that back. Because if India has to win, he has to score a lot of hundreds in Australia. He will play an important role."
Pujara emphasized that even if Kohli doesn't get a hundred, a solid 70-run knock will give the Indian team a big boost, adding:
"There are times, even if he doesn't get to 100, but even if he scores those important 70s, 80s, that will hold the team together because he bats at No. 4 and that is the position which is the most important position in Australia."
Virat Kohli struggled for form in India's three-match home Test series against New Zealand. He will look to turn things around in the Australia tour, a place where he has enjoyed tremendous success in the past. He has scored 1,352 runs from 25 Test innings in Australia at an average of 54.08.
"I don't think he'll be too worried about that" - Cheteshwar Pujara on Virat Kohli's form
In the same discussion, Cheteshwar Pujara also spoke about how Virat Kohli won't be under a lot of pressure due to his poor form. He stated that the seasoned campaigner would be well-prepared for the crucial series.
Pujara commented:
"Talking about some his failures, I think he's someone who has scored a lot of runs throughout his career in different formats of the game. So, I don't think he'll be too worried about that. Yes, there is a little bit of concern, but at the same time, the kind of cricketer he is, the way he prepares for each and every game, I'm sure he'll be up for the challenge."
The Test series opener between India and Australia kicked off in Perth on Friday, November 22.