Nathan Lyon labels THIS Indian player as ‘champion’ ahead of Border-Gavaskar series

India’s star batter Virat Kohli may be going through a slump in form especially in red-ball cricket as of recent, however Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has nothing but respect for him, who he says is a champion you cannot write off.

In his last 60 innings, Kohli has only managed to score 2 centuries and 11 half-centuries. This year, he has averaged only 22.72 across 6 Tests, and in the 3-match series against New Zealand, could manage only 93 runs.

However, despite his dismal record in Tests this year, Lyon believes that there is no reason to write Kohli off and even labelled him as a ‘champion’.

“Overall, look at his record. You don’t write off champions. I’ve got nothing but respect for Virat,” Lyon was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

“I want to get him out, there’s no point in hiding behind that, but it’s challenging. It’s been pretty amazing competing against him for so many times. Him and Smithy (Steve Smith) are probably the best two batters in our last era of this last decade,” Lyon said.

Lyon is one of the four members of the current squad who were part of Australia’s last successful Test series against India in 2014-15.

Despite the fact that the Men in Blue come into this series after suffering a Test series whitewash to New Zealand on home soil, Lyon believes that due to their experience and a side which is full of superstars, the Indian team cannot be underestimated.

“They’re dangerous all the time. They’re a side full of superstars. They’ve got so much experience, but talented youth as well and you can never write off that,” Lyon said.

“I was fascinated by that series to New Zealand, but we’re expecting the best India that we’ve played against for a number of years now,” Lyon added.

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