Virat Kohli began the Border Gavaskar Trophy with a second innings hundred (100*) at Perth, but has amassed only 62 runs in his other five innings combined so far.

The Indian stalwart will be keen to turn things around in the second dig as the visitors find themselves in a tough spot, with Australia stretching their second-innings lead to 333 runs with one wicket still remaining.

Ahead of the fifth day’s play in Melbourne, Kohli has received an important advice from former India head coach Ravi Shastri.

Speaking on Star Sports, Shastri, in his typical style, asked the star batter to ignore the outside noise and bat how he did in the first innings at MCG.

Notably, Kohli scored 36 off 86 balls in the first essay. He was disciplined in his approach for the most part of his knock, but eventually ended up chasing a wide delivery from Scott Boland, offering a simple catch to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

“My advice would be that you should bat exactly how you batted in the first innings," Shastri said.

“Forget everything else. Jo bhi log keh rahe hai vo bhuul jaao, vo bhaad mein gaya (Whatever people are saying, forget it, that can go to hell). Bat how you have been doing because your purple patch will come. Discipline is discipline. Leave the balls outside off, make Australia bowl to your body, show patience, show discipline. A lot of runs will come. I am saying Virat Kohli will score a ton of runs in the next two to three years if he takes this approach."

Australia’s lead of 333 already means that India will have to record the highest successful run-chase at the MCG in Test cricket when they come out to bat.

Kohli has an impressive record at the MCG. He has previously played knocks of 169 and 82 at the iconic venue but both came in India’s first innings. His highest second innings score in Melbourne is 54, which he’ll have to better on Monday to help his team draw or win the match.