Virat Kohli labelled irrelevant by 2 Australian players on the brink of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australia veteran opening batter Usman Khawaja has shared his thoughts on star Indian batter Virat Kohli's on-field behavior ahead of the upcoming BGT 2024-25 series. Usman Khawaja said that Virat Kohli, who was known for sledging and ruthless aggression, is now a more relaxed person on the field.

Earlier in his career, the former India skipper gained attention for his aggression and famous renditions with Australia. One of the most memorable moments came in the 2012 series when he made a rude gesture during a Test match in Sydney, which quickly made him a target for the Australian crowd.

During his next tour, Kohli had to captain India in a few matches. He was involved in notable sledging incidents with Australian players like David Warner and Mitchell Johnson. The right-handed batter scored 692 runs in four Tests at an impressive average of 86.50, including four centuries and one fifty.

It's A Very Different Virat Kohli - Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja said that Virat Kohli remains passionate about cricket, but he has become a more relaxed player. Khawaja added that Kohli is now more approachable, but still a formidable opponent.

"It's a very different Virat now, so you can go and have a joke with him … (but) he still scores runs against you," Usman Khawaja told cricket.com.au.

We Didn't Get Under His Skin - Alex Carey On Virat Kohli

Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey said there was no on-field tension between the two teams during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series. Carey mentioned that the players didn't try to provoke each other, with Kohli focusing on his performance. He also acknowledged that the rise of the IPL has helped in this.

"Playing them in India … there was nothing. (We didn't) get under his skin, and he didn't try to get under ours. He just performed well with the bat," Carey said about Kohli (viacricket.com.au).

Virat Kohli to Be Seen in Action During BGT 2024-25 in Australia

The Border-Gavaskar series is set to begin on November 22, with the first Test taking place at Optus Stadium in Perth. Australia will be looking to secure their first Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in 10 years. On the other hand, India aims to complete a third consecutive Test series win on Australian soil.

Virat Kohli scored under 100 runs in six innings, with an average of just 15.50, during India's 0-3 home Test series loss to New Zealand. The right-handed batter has scored only two centuries in 34 Test matches since 2020.

However, Kohli has performed better in Australia, with 1,329 runs at an average of over 54 in 13 Tests. He has scored six of his 29 Test centuries in Australia, his highest count in any country outside India. He also became the first Indian captain to lead his team to a Test series victory in Australia.

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