"You don't write off champions" - Nathan Lyon wary of Virat Kohli ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25

Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has declared that he won't write off Team India's mainstay Virat Kohli despite his shaky form ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The New South Wales spinner pointed out that the 36-year-old's overall record and numbers in Australia are envious.

Despite his dipping returns in Test cricket in the past few years, Kohli still remains one of India's biggest players. He first toured Australia in 2011-12 and has scored six hundreds on Aussie grounds, including four in the 2014-15 leg.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the first Test in Perth, Lyon named Kohli along with fellow Australian Steve Smith as two of the best batters in the last decade. Relishing his competition against the Indian legend, the 36-year-old said, as quoted by Perth Now:

"Look at his record out here. Overall, look at his record. You don't write off champions. I've got nothing but respect for Virat. I want to get him out, there's no point in hiding behind that, but it's challenging. Him and Smithy (Steve Smith) are probably the best two batters in our last era of this last decade. It's been pretty amazing competing against him for so many times."

In 13 Tests Down Under, Kohli has amassed 1,352 runs at 54.08, including a best of 169.

"We're expecting the best India that we've played against for a number of years now" - Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon. (Image Credits: Getty)

Despite coming off a series defeat to New Zealand at home, Lyon stressed that Australia are not taking India lightly and expect them to be at their best. He said (as per the aforementioned source):

"They're dangerous all the time. They're a side full of superstars. They've got so much experience, but talented youth as well and you can never write off that. I was fascinated by that series to New Zealand, but we're expecting the best India that we've played against for a number of years now."

Australia have notably not beaten India in a Test series since the 2014-15 leg, which they won 2-0.

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