McGrath on Virat Kohli: Now that Team India is moving towards the first Test against host Australia starting on November 22, the pace of rhetoric has also increased. In this episode, now the great Kangaroo pacer Glenn McGrath has asked his bowlers to target former Indian captain Virat Kohli.
McGrath said that if this star batsman makes a bad start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, then he will come under pressure in the series starting in Perth on November 22.
India has won the last four Test series against Australia, two of which were played in Australia. Team India, however, faced a 0-3 clean sweep against New Zealand at home in the last series before the five-Test series against Australia.
McGrath Urges Aussie Bowlers to Target Kohli
Fox Cricket quoted McGrath on ‘Code Sports’ as saying, “There is no doubt that after the 0-3 defeat against New Zealand, you have a lot of potential to prove yourself.
So put pressure on them and see if they are ready for it or not.” Kohli, who has been the mainstay of India’s batting for more than a decade, has been struggling with poor form in Test cricket for some time now.
His average in the six matches he has played this year has been just 22.72. Injured Shubman Gill is out of the first Test and captain Rohit Sharma’s playing is also doubtful and in such a situation Kohli will feel the pressure of leading the batting order.
However, 36-year-old Kohli is eager to give his best in Australia. He has scored runs at an impressive average of 54.08 in four tours of Australia.
Kohli’s Record in Australia Brings Hope
McGrath warned that targeting Kohli aggressively can also excite this star batsman. Especially if he manages to keep his emotions in check. 54-year-old McGrath, who took 563 Test wickets in 124 matches for Australia between 1993 and 2007.
“I think he is under a bit of pressure and if he scores a little less initially, he will feel it. I think he is a very emotional player.
Also, read about Rohit Sharma’s BGT Update here.
