The Indian cricket team’s preparation for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia kicked off with a buzzing net session, with Virat Kohli drawing considerable fan attention. Kohli’s practice was eagerly followed by supporters, some going as far as climbing trees to catch a glimpse of him. His presence in Australia has historically attracted significant viewership, and this series is seen as crucial for Kohli’s career.
Currently facing a dip in form, Kohli enters the series under pressure to re-establish his place in the Test squad. The former Indian captain, known for his exceptional performances in Australia, has struggled recently, managing just 488 runs in 19 international matches this year at an average of 20.33. His record in Test cricket has particularly declined since 2020, with only two centuries in 34 matches, a stark contrast to his peak years between 2016 and 2019.
Kohli’s stats in Australia, however, offer hope. He has accumulated 1,352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08, including six centuries. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can recapture his form on the Australian pitches where he has often excelled.
In contrast, young batter Sarfaraz Khan faced an early setback during practice. A video shared by Fox Cricket showed him leaving the session after a ball struck his elbow. While initial concerns rose about his condition, Wisden reported that Sarfaraz faces “no issues” with his elbow and is expected to be fit for selection.
Sarfaraz is among the middle-order contenders for the Perth Test, potentially stepping in as captain Rohit Sharma is likely to miss the game due to personal reasons. The competition for his spot also includes experienced player KL Rahul and young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who impressed recently with solid performances in the Australia A-India A series.
As the Border-Gavaskar series opener approaches on November 22 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, India’s squad will be tested on Australia’s fast and bouncy pitches. The series continues with the day-night Test at Adelaide Oval, followed by matches at Brisbane’s Gabba, Melbourne’s Boxing Day Test, and the finale at Sydney’s SCG.
Fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an intense series, with Kohli aiming for a resurgence and young players like Sarfaraz looking to make their mark in challenging conditions.
