"There's a lot of expectation": Cheteshwar Pujara pressures Virat Kohli to dominate in BGT

The out-of-favor India National Cricket Team batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Virat Kohli to dominate in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Cheteshwar Pujara reckons that Virat Kohli is aware of the expectations Team India and the fans have from him and he would be looking to live up to that in the Test series against Australia National Cricket Team.

Also Read: 'Hungry' Virat Kohli is ageing: Sourav Ganguly warns batter to protect 'reputation' in BGT 2024-25

Virat Kohli has shined against Australia in Test cricket

The India National Cricket Team superstar batter Virat Kohli has shined against the Australia National Cricket Team in Test cricket both at home and away from home.

He has been struggling to get going with the bat in recent times, but surely would have confidence from his past heroics Down Under. Kohli has been training hard in Perth ahead of the first Test and the team management is confident that the batter will deliver great performances this time around as well.

In 25 Tests against Australia, Kohli has scored 2042 runs at an average of 47.48, including 8 tons and 5 fifties. Also, on Australian soil, he has played 13 Tests and has scored 1352 runs at an amazing average of 54.08 to go with 6 tons and 4 fifties.

He’s aware of what’s expected of him and how many runs he has to make - Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara, who played a key role with the bat in India's previous two tours to Australia, won't be there with the team in BGT 2024-25, and Virat Kohli will have an extra responsibility on his shoulders to bat around youngsters.

Pujara said that Virat Kohli has got a much-needed break and he would be ready to compete against the Aussies. He added that Kohli has been the leader of the pack and is the best batter in the team.

"There is a lot of expectation of him. The number of matches he’s playing and the athlete Virat is, he doesn’t get enough breaks in between. That is why sometimes, when you’re not getting enough breaks, your body and confidence go down a bit. That’s normal,” Pujara said in the Star Sports press room.

“He has got some break. He’s at a place where he likes to compete. If someone is having a go at him, he would like to give it back to the bowlers — that’s how he started his journey. He has set high standards for himself. He has that awareness. He has been a leader and is probably the best in the circuit. He’s aware of what’s expected of him and how many runs he has to make,” he added.

I’m confident that once he gets going... - Cheteshwar Pujara

The modern-day great Cheteshwar Pujara further expressed confidence in the abilities of Virat Kohli to perform well once he gets going.

Pujara emphasized on the importance of getting off to good starts and said that Kohli will have a great series.

“I’m confident that once he gets going, he needs to spend some time in the game. He’s capable of doing all things. Always leading from the front, it’s about getting a 50-60-70. If he gets a hundred, then he will have a great series ahead,” Pujara said of Kohli.

“In every match, he is motivated, whatever the format. Definitely, he has worked on it. It’s about getting that start and spending time at the crease,” he added.