Sourav Ganguly, whose prediction of Virat Kohli’s return to form hit the bull’s eye, expects the former India captain to put up a much-improve show in Tests, given the importance of the series that starts February 9 in Nagpur. It was under Ganguly all those years ago that India brought Australia’s 16-match winning streak to a screeching halt, so he knows what is at stake, especially now since both teams are strong contenders to headline the World Test Championship final.
“Yes, absolutely. He has batted really well – against Sri Lanka, against Bangladesh. He will have to improve in Test cricket because India depends on him and a very crucial series against Australia is approaching which I believe will be a cracker of a contest. I expect it to be very competitive. Both are extremely good teams and it’s quite possible that these two teams go on to play the World Test Championship final,” Ganguly told Sports Tak.
Kohli will be fiercely motivated himself. During the last India vs Australia Test series when he was captain, Kohli returned home after India lost the first match in Adelaide to be there for the birth of his first child and watched the team script arguably the greatest comeback story in history. Furthermore, the last time India played a Test series in Australia – in 2017 – Kohli had a string of woeful outings scoring just 46 runs in three games at an average of 9.20 – statistically one of his worst ever.
For Australia – who are leading the WTC standings – to secure a spot in the WTC final, all they need to do is avoid a 0-4 whitewash, as their path became clear following their 2-0 series win against South Africa. India on the other hand, who are placed second on the table can afford to lose just one more Test. If they clinch the series, 4-0, 3-0 or even 3-1, they will go through. Sri Lanka are third, followed by SA at fourth, and SL’s outcomes determine to have an impact on the finalists too.
