"Their skill-set is high and also so competitive that I'll need to elevate myself to defeat them" - Virat Kohli on facing Australia
In a video that has resurfaced on the internet, ace India batter Virat Kohli acknowledged Australia's relentless mentality and competitive spirit and said he will have to elevate his game to match their intensity and will to win. Kohli has produced some of his best performances across formats against the mighty Aussies.
The 35-year-old has scored 5,203 runs against Australia in international cricket (most against any opponent), including 16 centuries and 27 half-centuries. In 2018-19, Kohli also became the first-ever Indian captain to lead the side to a Test series win in Australia.
In an old video going viral on Star Sports' X handle, Kohli revealed his mentality to face Australia, saying:
"I think that mindset is very clear to me. That they are such a competitive team that 11 people on one page and everyone knows what's going on in the game and even if they get an inch of it then they will try to capitalize. So my motivation increases more against this team who have been aware enough, present at all times."
He added:
"Their skill-set is high and also so competitive that I'll need to elevate myself to defeat them. Otherwise, the motivation, the drive and the awareness that they have, they won't even give you a chance to come back into the game."
Virat Kohli has also been among the few batters to maintain incredible consistency in the Australian conditions. The veteran batter averages a stunning 56.16 across formats Down Under with 11 centuries and 19 half-centuries in 59 outings.
"Their energy or perspective in-game made me understand how competitive it is" - Virat Kohli on Australia
Virat Kohli credited the Australians for their energy and competitiveness, which has helped him take his game to greater heights.
While Australia have gotten the better of India in ICC events, the Asian giants have dominated the Aussies in bilateral Tests. India have defeated Australia in the last four bilateral Test series, including two in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
"Because their energy or perspective in-game made me understand how competitive it is. And for defeating them, you need to elevate your competitiveness. So I think, naturally, since I am very competitive, if you want to win against the opposition, then you'll have to find new ways and every team has a different way of playing," Kohli said in the same interview.
"So this thing always worked for me, when it came down to Australia and that's because they play cricket in such an intense manner. I want to take it on next level," he added.
The Virat Kohli-Australia battle will resume when the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins in Perth on November 22.