"Kohli’s recent travails will have annoyed him" - Greg Chappell on star batter's form ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25
Legendary Australian cricketer Greg Chappell reckons Virat Kohli will be hungry to reiterate his authority in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series after a lean run in Tests. Chappell believes the five-Test series will be a stern examination for Steve Smith and Rohit Sharma as well.
Kohli had a torrid run in the recent home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand, aggregating just 93 runs in six innings. However, he has been backed to do well Down Under due to his record in that part of the world.
Writing in his column for The Sydney Morning Herald, Chappell said he expects Kohli's aggressive mindset to come to the fore along with patience and focus.
"For Kohli, the task is one of rejuvenation," he wrote. "Known for his unmatched intensity, passion and high standards, Kohli’s recent travails will have annoyed him. The aggressive mindset that propelled him to greatness must now coexist with patience and focus. He enters this series hungry to reiterate his authority as India’s most formidable batsman of his generation."
The 76-year-old also broke down Rohit Sharma's challenges, mentioning that he will need to juggle the captaincy responsibilities along with scoring runs.
"As this heavyweight clash approaches, each player will search for the mental state that fuelled their peak performances. For Sharma, the challenge lies in balancing his aggressive instincts with the calculated caution that Test cricket demands. As captain, he must maintain his own form while shouldering the pressure of leadership – a delicate balance he’ll need to master if India is to thrive," Chappell wrote.
Rohit came under fire after a 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand, India's first at home since 2012. He also played some reckless shots throughout the series against the Black Caps, registering 91 runs in six innings.
"Smith’s challenge is distinct, but no less demanding" - Greg Chappell
Chappell went on to observe how Steve Smith has decided to lean on familiarity to find form after struggling in his brief stint as an opener.
"Smith’s challenge is distinct, but no less demanding," he wrote in the aforementioned column. "His recent experimentation with different batting roles, including a stint as an opener, reflects his search for freshness and motivation. However, for this series, he has chosen to return to his favoured No.4 spot, a place where he has consistently excelled. This decision shows his desire to lean on familiarity, even as he grapples with the reality of age."
The South Australian reckons that the trio must find the adaptability that they had as youngsters to thrive in the Test series.
"This series will likely be determined not by raw skill alone, but by how these three veterans adapt to the physical and mental demands of Test cricket in the twilight of their careers. This series will be as much a battle of wits and endurance as it will be of skill, with each player needing to summon the drive and adaptability of their younger selves."
The first Test between Australia and India begins on November 22 in Perth.