Ravi Shastri and Glenn McGrath's Bold Comments on Virat Kohli's Form

Virat Kohli has been struggling across all formats in recent months. The 36-year-old managed just one half-century in five Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand this year, averaging a modest 21.33. His form dipped further during India’s 0-3 series loss to New Zealand, raising questions about his performance.

However, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes Kohli will make a strong comeback during the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia. This series, starting on November 22 in Perth, holds significant importance as it could determine the finalists for next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's.

Both Ravi Shastri and Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath have shared their thoughts on Kohli, sparking widespread discussion in the cricket world.

Shastri in ICC Review with Sanjana Ganesan highlighted Kohli’s reputation as the "King," stating that such a title always stays in the minds of opponents. He remarked, “The King is back in his territory. That’s all I will say to Kohli’s critics. When you’ve delivered stellar performances in Australia, it remains in your opponent’s mind every time you walk out to bat.” Shastri also recalled Kohli’s historic performances in Australia, including his 123 runs in the Perth Test in 2018/19 and the 692 runs he scored at an average of 86.50 during the 2014 series.

On the other hand, Glenn McGrath expressed his perspective on Kohli’s form, suggesting that putting pressure on the Indian batter could be a crucial tactic for Australia, especially if Kohli struggles early in the series. McGrath said, “Australia has all the weapons to put pressure on Kohli, and if he falters at the start, it could unsettle him.”

Despite their observations, both Shastri and McGrath believe that Kohli’s experience and resilience could lead to a swift return to form. Shastri advised Kohli to remain calm and composed, particularly in the early stages of the series, to avoid rushing into aggressive play. “That initial calmness in the first half an hour or the first few innings will be critical,” Shastri added.

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These statements make it evident that Kohli will face intense competition in the upcoming series. However, his track record and experience provide him with a strong foundation to bounce back and regain his form.