"Virat Kohli is at that stage in his career where he just wants to try and win games for India" - Mike Hesson cautions Australia ahead of 2024/25 BGT
Former New Zealand cricketer Mike Hesson believes Virat Kohli is more focused on winning games for India than individual numbers, making him more dangerous for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India and Australia will play five Tests in a highly anticipated series, starting in Perth on November 22.
Kohli has struggled for form across formats this year, averaging under 22 in 16 outings. His Test form hasn't been great in 2024 with an average of 31.40 in six innings, including no half-centuries.
Despite lacking his usual dominant numbers, Hesson warned Australia of Kohli's threat in the upcoming series. He said on Jio Cinema as quoted by India Today:
"I think Virat Kohli is at that stage in his career where he just wants to try and win games for India. And I think that's a dangerous stage for other sides, because if he’s doing that rather than focusing on numbers, the big scores will come naturally."
Hesson added:
"The ability to hold a tempo in Australia is so important—being able to counterattack and knowing the right moments to do so. As mentioned, from 30 to 60 overs is a key phase. If Kohli is batting at that point, he won’t let the game drift. It’s about finding gaps, hitting gaps, getting ones and twos, and then, if they try and attack him, then he can counterattack."
Kohli missed the home series against England earlier this year but returned to the side in the recent Bangladesh series which India won 2-0.
"He has the game and knows the conditions very well" - Mike Hesson on Virat Kohli
Mike Hesson feels Virat Kohli looked in great touch with the bat despite not scoring big in the recent Bangladesh series and added that the Australian conditions should suit him.
The champion batter has thrived in Tests Down Under, producing some of his most memorable knocks. Kohli averages an impressive 54.08 in Tests in Australia with six centuries and four half-centuries in 13 outings.
"He was in fine touch, and even though he didn’t get big scores against Bangladesh, he looked like he was moving well and getting into good positions. After playing in New Zealand, heading to Australia will suit him, as he thrives in those conditions. He has the game and knows the conditions very well," Hesson said (as per the aforementioned source).
He concluded:
"The discussions he’ll have with younger players will also be crucial in helping them apply their game to challenge the Australians in the best way possible."
Kohli was also the first Indian captain to lead the side to a Test series win in Australia in the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.