Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnsonwho has had a fierce rivalry with India’s Virat Kohlihas put their past on-field confrontations behind him and expressed a special wish for the Indian star ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The two players, who clashed both verbally and physically during the 2014-15 series, have a history of aggressive encounter.
Virat Kohli’s recent form and the stakes for BGT 2024-25
Kohli, despite being one of the greatest modern-day batters, has been struggling in the longest format lately. With only two centuries in the last four years, and just one half-century in his last ten innings, the pressure will be on Kohli to deliver in the BGT 2024-25 . The five-match seriesbeginning on November 22 in Perth, may very well be Kohli’s final Test assignment in Australia. Johnson’s request for Kohli to score a century holds particular significance, considering the batter’s struggles and the emotional weight this tour could carry.
Mitchell Johnson’s perspective: A special request
Johnson, writing in The West Australianacknowledged Kohli’s past success in Australia, where he has an outstanding average of 54.08, higher than his career average of 47.83. The former fast bowler admitted that while Kohli’s form has dipped in recent times, his history on Australian soil means he has the ability to turn things around. Johnson expressed a desire to see Kohli score a century in what may be his final tour.
“The 36-year-old is most likely in Australia for the final time on a Test tour. It’s a place he’s done well. He averages 54.08 in Australia – higher than his career average of 47.83 and few batsmen around the world can say that. His form hasn’t been at its best recently and he will be under pressure to perform again here in front of the many Indian fans who will turn out,” Johnson wrote in his column for The West Australian.
“I wonder if the situation will give him all the determination he needs or if it will all be too much for him. As a fan now watching on, maybe I’d like to see him make one more Test ton in Australia. As his adversary from a decade ago, maybe not,” the 43-year-old added.
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The rivalry between Johnson and Kohli
The rivalry between Johnson and Kohli traces back to the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, a series marked by intense on-field incidents. Kohli had a phenomenal run, amassing four centuries in as many Tests, despite India losing 2-0. One notable clash occurred when Johnson, attempting a run-out, inadvertently struck Kohli with the ball. This sparked tensions, with Kohli openly expressing his disappointment and stating that he had lost respect for the Australian pacer. Despite these heated exchanges, Kohli concluded the series as the second-highest run-scorer, accumulating an impressive 692 runs at an average of 86.50.
The evolution of Kohli and Indian cricket
Johnson also commented on Kohli’s transformation, particularly as a captain. He praised Kohli’s dedication to fitness and his relentless drive to push his teammates to better their performances. Reflecting on the Indian team of the 2014-15 series, Johnson noted the competitive spirit Kohli had instilled, noting that the Indian team had become far more ambitious and aggressive. He observed a significant shift in the Indian team since that series, noting their newfound desire to challenge Australia and assert their dominance on the world stage.
“He trains hard and pushes players to get better. I heard about him when Sachin and Sehwag were about to retire. Kohli was demanding as a captain, but he is one player you want to have in your team. I saw a difference in the Indian team that played in Australia in 2014-15, which was my last Aussie summer. They were competitive and wanted to beat us,” Johnson concluded
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