Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina has backed star-prospect Virat Kohli ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) in Australia. Suresh Raina said that it is unfair to judge Kohli’s form based on the home season amid fierce criticism of his performance across the world.
Kohli was last seen in action during the three-match home Test series against New Zealand, where the Rohit Sharma-led team suffered a humiliating 0-3 cry. The fielder scored a total of 93 runs at an average of 15.50 in six innings. Will be under pressure in Australia after their recent struggles in Tests.
We can’t judge him from one series – Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina said New Zealand deserved credit for whitewashing the Indian team and said they had played well in their recent series. He stated that the Black Caps’ spinners and overall game were superior to India’s. Raina said that we cannot judge Virat Kohli’s form from one series.
“We have to give credit to New Zealand (for crying). They played really well… Their cricket ethos is very strong, in every sport. They played better than us, they had good spinners… but we didn’t. Virat is doing very well, I think , we can’t judge him from one series,” Raina told Times of India.
Virat Kohli arrived in Australia early to prepare for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He skipped the optional session on Tuesday, November 12, when players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal were training. Kohli is expected to start training on Wednesday, November 13.
The Most Important Role Will Be Virat Kohli – Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina emphasized that Kohli will play a key role in the upcoming series and recalled his remarkable form during the 2014-15 tour of Australia, where he scored four centuries, including two in the Adelaide Test. Raina said Kohli was confident at the time despite his current struggles with form.
“The most important role will be Virat Kohli. I remember when we went there in 2014-15, Virat scored four hundreds. And then all the top-class cricketers were playing. I remember he scored hundreds in both the Adelaide innings. I think he I didn’t play the game but I was sitting on the sidelines and I saw that he was very strong with his body language.
Virat Kohli’s record in Test matches against Australia
Virat Kohli has an impressive record against Australia in Test matches with 2,042 runs at an average of 47.48 from 25 matches, including five half-centuries and eight centuries.
The 36-year-old scored 1,352 runs in 25 innings for Australia at an average of 54.08. His notable performance came in the 2014–15 series where he scored 692 runs at an average of 86.50.
The first Test of the five-match series will begin on Friday, November 22 at the Perth Stadium in Perth. Both teams will be hoping to start the campaign with a win in the series opener.
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