"The form of the most premier batter is definitely a cause for concern" - MSK Prasad on Virat Kohli's form heading into Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Former India wicketkeeper-batter MSK Prasad has acknowledged that Virat Kohli's indifferent form heading into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is a cause for concern. He pointed out that the former India captain was a key contributor in the 2018-19 series win in Australia.
Kohli has aggregated only 88 runs in four innings in the ongoing three-match Test series against New Zealand. The modern batting great managed just 99 runs in four innings in the previous series against Bangladesh.
On the Star Sports show 'Follow the Blues', Prasad replied in the affirmative when asked whether Kohli needs to be in peak form against Australia for India to have a chance of winning the series.
"Hundred percent. If you look at the way he performed in the 2018 series, on one side he brought aggression into batting and on the other side (Cheteshwar) Pujara was holding the fort. So we are missing the combination those two had, caution with aggression," he said.
"Pujara was playing solidly on one side and Virat got aggression from the other end. The way Virat batted, he inspired everyone else. So the form of the most premier batter is definitely a cause for concern, that too with the ICC Test Championship and the points system that's there," the former India selector added.
Cheteshwar Pujara amassed 521 runs at an average of 74.42 in seven innings in India's 2-1 win in the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli aggregated 282 runs at an average of 40.28 in seven innings in that series.
"Virat Kohli definitely shines against big teams and on big occasions" - Sunil Joshi
![Virat Kohli has an impressive overall Test record against Australia. [P/C: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/5fe71-17300962839039-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same discussion, Sunil Joshi expressed confidence about Virat Kohli rising to the occasion in Australia.
"I am a hundred percent confident about the way Virat Kohli will start this tour. He might not have scored runs here (in India), but Virat Kohli definitely shines against big teams and on big occasions," he said.
The former India spinner named Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul the other likely key batters for the visitors on the Australian tour.
"We have seen that earlier and will see it going forward as well. However, for me, apart from Virat, the batters who could make the most impact are Sarfaraz and KL Rahul," Joshi observed.
Sarfaraz hasn't yet played a Test match away from home. Rahul has aggregated 187 runs at an underwhelming average of 20.77 in nine Test innings in Australia.