Virat Kohli might have ended his long-standing century drought in white-ball cricket last year, but the star batter’s extended lean patch in the longest format still persists.
Since the start of 2020, Kohli has amassed only 917 runs from 20 Tests at a below-par average of 26.20 without a century. In each of the last three years, the right-hander averaged less than 30, which has seen his Test average remarkably drop below 50.
However, Kohli loves the rivalry against Australia and he is expected to end his Test century drought in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting February 9 in Nagpur.
In 20 Tests and 36 innings, Virat has aggregated 1,682 versus Australia at an average of 48.05, including seven hundreds and five half-centuries.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri is also expecting Virat Kohli to flourish against the Pat Cummins-led side if he gets going in the first couple of innings.
"His (Kohli's) record against Australia would spur him on. He would be charged up and want to start well. You should look at his first two innings. If he gets off to a start, he would be a thorn in flesh for Aussies. They would for sure won't want that to happen,” Shastri said in an interaction facilitated by Star Sports.
"Kohli has average of just under 50 against Australia. Amazing record, that should really get him going."
Shastri wants India to keep their 12 ready with Shubman Gill featuring in it and then take a call looking at the conditions of the pitch. He doesn't want Suryakumar Yadav to be excluded from the playing XI as a quick 40 on a rank turner from him could be a game-changer.
"Tough choice. You have to pick the best player for that position (No. 5). Surya is one player who will be proactive and looking to rotate the strike.
"If you want to do well in India, you have got to rotate the strike and not let bowlers bowl maidens at you. Blocking won't help. A quick 30 or 40 could decide the fate of game. He (Surya) can get (the runs) quickly and disrupt the opposition. India should back themselves to win by two-match margin," Shastri said.
In Rishabh Pant's absence, Shastri acknowledged that one tough call would be whether to choose a better batter in Ishan Kishan or a relatively safer wicketkeeper in KS Bharat.
"That's a tough call for India. That's how important Pant is. He ticked all boxes. Not only did his keeping improve but he could get under the skin of the opposition. As a batter, he is so dangerous. Pant has played more match-winning knocks than any of our top five batters in recent times. So that's how big a blow it is."
Commenting on the choice between Kishan and Bharat, Shastri said: "If the pitch offers turn, the better keeper should play. For Jadeja, Kuldeep and Ashwin, they would need good keeper behind stumps. Now it is up to you, who do you think is a better keeper."
(With PTI Inputs)
