Virat Kohli has set off for Australia to join Team India ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series. India is slated to play five Tests against Australia, spanning from November 22 to January 7, as both teams chase crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points. This high-stakes series will see Kohli aiming for batting redemption following a challenging home season, where he managed just one fifty-plus score in ten innings against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
Kohli’s recent form has raised concerns, as he scored only 192 runs at a modest average of 21.33 during India’s five home Tests. India’s struggles extended beyond Kohli, as captain Rohit Sharma also faced difficulties, culminating in a 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand. This loss was a major setback, knocking India from the top spot on the 2023-25 WTC points table, now occupied by Australia.
The 36-year-old Kohli will join key senior players including Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah as the team looks to reclaim its form. Known for his strong performances in Australia, Kohli’s experience ‘Down Under’ could prove invaluable. In 25 Test innings in Australia, he has amassed 1,352 runs at an impressive average of 54.08, a notable edge over his current career average of 47.83.
With WTC points and pride on the line, the series opener at Perth’s Optus Stadium on November 22 will indeed mark a crucial chapter in Kohli’s storied career. Moreover, it could potentially be his final Test tour of Australia, adding even more significance to this high-stakes encounter.
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