"Look at Cristiano Ronaldo, Tiger Woods, or Michael Jordan" - Deep Dasgupta hopes Virat Kohli turns on his combative attitude in BGT 2024/25
Former Indian keeper-batter Deep Dasgupta hopes for Virat Kohli to rediscover that combative attitude during the upcoming Test series against Australia. He cited the examples of Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiger Woods, claiming that great players find a way to step up when they have their backs against the wall.
Despite his lean run in recent times, Kohli remains one of the biggest scalps for Australia in the upcoming five-Test series. The right-handed batter averages a healthy 54.08 in 13 Tests in Australia with 1352 runs alongside six centuries, four of which came in the 2014-15 leg.
Speaking to India Today, Dasgupta opined that finding the right mindset will be the key to Kohli returning to form. He said:
"I just hope so. Because, as I said, we've seen the best of him when he's in that mind space—wanting to prove everyone wrong, fired up, combative.
"Great players love that kind of energy. Look at Cristiano Ronaldo, Tiger Woods, or Michael Jordan—athletes from different sports. They thrived on proving people wrong every time they stepped onto the field. I hope Virat finds that same zone because it's all about finding the right mindset."
The former Indian captain had played only one Test during the 2020-21 against Australia before returning home for paternity leave.
"They can turn it on when they want to" - Deep Dasgupta
Dasgupta added that the conditions Down Under should considerably suit Kohli's gameplay, giving him the chance to turn his form around. He explained:
"I think, obviously, the last series—or maybe the last couple of series—wasn't great by his lofty standards. He's set such high standards for himself that anything below those can seem disappointing. Especially the New Zealand and Bangladesh series, I think he would have been disappointed with how they went.
"But listen, there's a reason these players are called great. They can turn it on when they want to. He enjoys playing in Australia and against Australia. The pitches suit him, and he thrives in the energy and the combative environment Australia provides. We've seen the best of Virat Kohli in those conditions—fired up and combative. That kind of mindset brings out his best performances."
Team India have also won their last four Test series over Australia. The first Test of the upcoming series will be played at Perth, starting on November 22.