The Indian team is practising in Perth away from the public eye as the ground is covered with black sheets to block the view of spectators.
As Virat Kohli started preparations for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy, a few fans were spotted climbing nearby trees to watch him play. It shows Kohli’s craze and popularity as fans are always eager to get a glimpse, even if they require going out of their way.
The Indian team is practising in Perth away from the public eye as the ground is covered with black sheets to block the view of spectators. However, even these sheets couldn’t stop them from finding ways; fans risked their well-being and climbed on trees, allowing them to get a rough idea of what was happening in the practice session.
Those fans also sounded confident of India’s chances in the impending Border Gavaskar Trophy, with one of them predicting a whitewash over Australia. They were also sure that Virat Kohli, who hasn’t been in fine form lately, will regain his lost touch and score heavily in the five-match Test series.
However, as visible in the video posted by Fox Cricket, he was slightly uncomfortable against Jasprit Bumrah in the nets. He will face similar challenges in the coming week, for the pitch in Perth will be spicy and significantly aid fast bowlers.
While Virat Kohli’s recent form and a similar pattern in dismissals are a concern, he boasts of a formidable record in Australia in red-ball cricket. He has 1352 runs at an average of 54.08 in 25 Test innings, comprising four fifties and six centuries.
He handles pace and bounce well and is always up to the challenge posed by a fiery Australian attack. That said, Kohli’s recent form will surely be running in the back of his mind, and he would want to get going after a quiet home season, where he was consistently troubled by spinners.
The Indian batting lineup will be slightly inexperienced and vulnerable, especially in Rohit Sharma’s absence. So, Kohli must set an example as a senior player.
India don’t have Cheteshwar Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane this time, either. India’s chances will massively rely on how Kohli performs in the rubber.
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