Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Virat Kohli to perform in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy series. There have been concerns over Kohli’s form in red-ball cricket in the lead-up to the series. However, Pujara felt that Kohli’s past success in the Australian conditions would help him gain confidence. Pujara hailed Kohli for his discipline and hard work and realised the expectations which the star batter was carrying with him. The series will be very crucial for the star India batter as he embarks upon his 5th tour to Australia down under.
“Yes, it will definitely help him. The amount of runs he has scored in Australia speaks for itself. Not just in Australia, but across formats, he’s always been a player with high expectations placed on him. The number of matches he plays takes a toll. Over time, we’ve seen what an incredible fielder and athlete he is-always hardworking and consistent. However, when you play so much cricket without adequate breaks, your body and concentration levels naturally dip,” Pujara said exclusively to Indiatoday on the Star Sports Press Room show.
Kohli played six Tests in 2024, amassing just 250 runs at an average of 22.72, well below his career average of 50. His struggles against spin since 2020 have become evident; his average in India has plummeted from 72.45 (2013-2019) to 32.86, with 24 of his 57 dismissals in this period coming against spin.
Pujara felt that a well-rested Kohli would be hungrier than ever to score runs. He said Kohli thrives under intense situations when the opposition tries to unsettle him.
“Now that he’s had some rest, he’s in a much better place mentally and physically. He thrives on competition and loves to express himself on the field. In Australian conditions, if the opposition tries to unsettle him, he’s the kind of player who will respond strongly and channel that into his performance. That approach has been key to his success since the beginning of his career,” he added.
Kohli has an enviable record on Australian soil, having scored 1352 runs in 13 matches. He averages 54.08 and has six hundreds and four fifties. Pujara highlighted if Kohli gets a hundred, that would set the tone for him in the series and he would flourish.
“The first couple of Test matches will be crucial. Spending time at the crease will be essential for him to get into the rhythm. He knows his game inside out and is very capable of delivering when it matters. His preparation has always been top-notch, and he leads by example. If he gets a solid start, scores a 50 or 60, and converts it into a hundred, he could have an outstanding series,” Pujara said.
