‘Premier batter’ Virat Kohli’s form a concern before Australia series: Former chief selector MSK Prasad

New Delhi: Former selector MSK Prasad acknowledged that Virat Kohli’s form in Test matches is a concern for the Indian team as they prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia next month. Kohli has faced challenges this season, having played five Tests with disappointing performances in the longest format of the game.

The star batter has managed to score only 245 runs in 10 innings this season, averaging 27.22. In the ongoing series against New Zealand, Kohli has accumulated 88 runs across four innings, with his highest score being 70 in the Bengaluru Test. Speaking to Star Sports, Prasad emphasized that Kohli must elevate his performance if India hopes to secure a series victory against Australia. He also noted that India is missing the calm demeanor of Cheteshwar Pujara and Kohli’s aggressive batting style in the middle order.

“Hundred percent. If you look at the way he performed in the 2018 series, on one side he brought aggression into batting and on the other side (Cheteshwar) Pujara was holding the fort. So we are missing the combination those two had, caution with aggression,” he said.

Prasad expressed that Kohli’s form is particularly concerning given the stakes involved with World Test Championship points on the line.

“Pujara was playing solidly on one side and Virat got aggression from the other end. The way Virat batted, he inspired everyone else. So the form of the most premier batter is definitely a cause for concern, that too with the ICC Test Championship and the points system that’s there,” the former India selector added.

Kohli boasts an impressive record against Australia in Test matches, having amassed 2,042 runs in 25 games at an average of 47.48. During this period, he has registered 8 centuries and 5 half-centuries against the Aussies.

Kohli’s record in Test matches in Australia is equally impressive, with 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08. India and Australia will kick off the series on November 22 with the Test match in Perth.