Former Australia batter Mark Waugh said that Virat Kohli would feel less pressure while playing in Australia than India as the right-hander loved the Australian conditions and boasts great records against the nation.
Kohli landed in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy while struggling with form - he averaged 20.62 in his last ten Test innings, far less than his average of 54.08 in Tests in Australia and an overall career average of 47.83.
Having played some of his most memorable centuries in Australia and starring as skipper in steering India to a 2-1 series victory here in 2018/19, Virat Kohli is expected to perform at his best in the forthcoming five-match series against Australia, which starts at Perth Stadium on November 22.
He's got a great record in Australia, loves the conditions. I think he's a better player of pace than spin. He's had a lean trot though, by his standards, and his average has dropped a lot," Waugh told Fox Cricket.
“Maybe Perth’s a good starting place for him, because he made that brilliant hundred on a very, very tricky pitch (in 2018). It’s always good when you’ve got good memories at certain grounds.
“He’ll be under less pressure being in Australia than India. It’s so encompassing, playing in India on your home soil. It’ll be a fresh start for him, this series," he said.
For the first time since December 2014, Kohli has tumbled out of the ICC Test batting rankings' top 20, but the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy gives him a chance to salvage his struggling Test career.
"The Australians would still see him as a big wicket," Waugh continued. They know what he's capable of, and his record in Australia is so good, and he loves the big stage.
As Waugh commented, "India have beaten us the last four series, so I think it'll bring the best out of Kohli. Whether he's good enough and technically good enough to make runs is a different story," added Waugh.
Former seamer Brett Lee is confident that Kohli will deliver his best once again in Australia this summer and will give trouble to the hosts.
"He's got an Australian mentality, a never-say-die attitude. He doesn't mind getting into a scrap. He doesn't mind having a crack. There has been a lot of conjecture around his form recently, but I'm not worried about that. I know with Kohli, he's got the experience underneath his belt, Lee told Fox Cricket.
"He may have only scored 90 runs in the three-Test series against the Kiwis, but who cares? When he steps out here, he has a fantastic record in Australia," Lee said.
Read also| From First to Last: Nadal Reflects on Davis Cup Losses as His Career Comes Full Circle
Read also| BGT 2024-25: Shastri Says First Two Matches Will Be Crucial for India
