‘They’ll be hungry…’: Ex-India star showers praise on Virat Kohli and Steve Smith ahead of Melbourne Test

Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri shared his thoughts on the performances of cricket’s legendary “Fab Four” – Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson. On one hand, Root and Williamson performed brilliantly throughout the year, scoring 6 and 4 centuries respectively while both Kohli and Smith have only been able to score 1 century each so far.

“I think they (Kohli and Smith) will have slipped down the ranks on current form because you know you’ve got the likes of Root taking off, there’s Williamson doing well, Harry Brook has come onto the scene, you know there are a lot of other young players pushing but these are class players,” Shastri told The ICC Review.

Despite both Kohli and Smith going through a rough patch this year in Test cricket, Shastri believes that in a situation like this, the duo will be hungrier than ever.

“In a situation like this, you know they’ll be dangerous because they’ll be hungry,” Shastri said.

Shastri highlighted Smith’s resilience, referring to his determined innings at the Gabba against India, where the Australian maestro scored his 33rd Test century.

“What’s needed you saw from Smith. It might have been a struggle early on but he was prepared to play the waiting game and be disciplined,” Shastri said.

The former India cricketer also showed faith in Kohli who he believes has the ability to regain his peak form.

“I think the same with Virat. If Virat gets over that first 30, 40 minutes, with serious application and discipline, I don’t think he’s (out of form), none of these guys are out of form,” Shastri said.

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