Virat Kohli is probably the most Australian of Indian players: Steve Smith
Senior Australian batter Steve Smith has described Virat Kohli as the most Australian among Indian players. According to Smith, the former Indian captain is Australian in thoughts and action.
Smith and Kohli will be in action together when India face Australia in five Tests Down Under during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which starts in November. The build-up to the much-anticipated series has already begun.
In a video on Star Sports' official X handle, batter Smith and seasoned Aussie left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc were asked to pick the one Indian cricketer they think is the most Australian in thoughts and action. Both went for Kohli. Giving his reasons for his choice, Smith commented:
"Virat Kohli is Australian in thoughts and action. The way he gets into it the battle, the way he gets into the challenge and tries to get on top of the opposition - he's probably the most Australian of Indian players I'd say."
On the other hand, Starc pointed out Kohli's ability to perform in big games and his aggressive mindset.
"I believe Virat Kohli probably is the most Australian like in terms of he is one to perform in big games. The way he takes on the game, the way he thinks about the game. He loves getting into the contest, which I think a lot of Australian players do," the 34-year-old stated.
India's 2024-25 tour of Australia will begin with a Test in Perth on November 22. The second Test will be played at the Adelaide Oval from December 6, while the third Test will be at the Gabba starting December 14. The five-match series will conclude with the traditional Boxing Day Test (December 26-December 30) in Melbourne and the New Year Test in Sydney (January 3-January 7).
How Kohli, Smith, and Starc have performed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Kohli, Smith, and Starc will be key to their team's fortunes in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. If we look at their records in the competition, Kohli has enjoyed his Test battles against Australia. In 24 matches, he has smashed 1,979 runs at an average of 48.26, with eight hundreds and five half-centuries.
Shifting focus to Smith, he also has an impressive record in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In 18 matches, he has 1,887 runs to his name at an average of 65.06, with eight tons and five fifties.
Looking at Starc's stats, he has rather underwhelming numbers against India. In 17 Tests, the left-arm seamer has picked up 44 wickets at an average of 38.68, with a best of 4-53.