Former cricketer Irfan Pathan has issued a strong warning to the Australian cricket team ahead of their clash with India in the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final. Pathan emphasizes that they should not underestimate the current version of Virat Kohli, who has rediscovered his best form and poses a formidable threat.
While Kohli faced struggles in converting starts into substantial scores during the previous WTC final, he has since overcome that rough patch and shown tremendous improvement. His recent performances have been nothing short of exceptional, with centuries in all three formats and a standout display in the IPL 2023. Pathan firmly asserts that Australia must not mistake this Kohli for the one they encountered in 2021.
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Kohli boasts an impressive record against Australia in Test matches, accumulating 1979 runs in 24 matches at an average of 48.27, including eight centuries. Pathan draws attention to Kohli’s confidence and prolific run-scoring ability, which has seen him accumulate over 25,000 runs in international cricket.
Although Kohli has experienced mixed fortunes in England, struggling against James Anderson in 2014, he returned four years later with a completely different batting display, amassing nearly 700 runs in five Tests. In subsequent series, Kohli showcased more assurance but encountered difficulties in converting his promising starts into big scores.
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As the WTC final draws near, Pathan cautions Australia to be wary of Kohli’s capacity to excel in challenging conditions. It is crucial for them to recognize his bitter-sweet record in England and refrain from underestimating his capabilities. Kohli’s recent form and his remarkable track record against Australia make him a pivotal player for India in the upcoming encounter.
With Kohli determined to make his mark on the grand stage once again, Australia’s bowling unit must approach him with utmost caution and devise effective strategies to contain his undeniable talent. The battle between Kohli and Australia’s formidable bowlers promises to be a captivating spectacle, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the WTC final.