Virat Kohli sends strong warning to Australia, continues batting practice through rain in Perth

As India's preparations for the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 intensify, Virat Kohli has displayed his unwavering determination on Tuesday, November 19, during the team’s first practice session at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Despite India’s first training session being interrupted by rain in Perth—the venue for the high-octane five-match Test series opener against Australia—Virat Kohli refused to leave the nets, as he continued his batting session long after his teammates had taken shelter.

Virat Kohli shows unwavering focus in training for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Notably, the Indian cricket team had been training at the WACA since last Wednesday, with a three-day intra-squad match against India A providing crucial practice ahead of the series opener.

However, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill were injured during a three-day intra-squad match against India A. Shubman Gill will miss the first Test in Perth due to a thumb injury, while Indian captain Rohit Sharma will also be missing the Test series opener due to personal reasons.

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However, KL Rahul made a quick recovery and resumed his batting two days later, and he is raring to go at the Optus Stadium. Rahul impressed the Indian team management with his form during their training session at Optus Stadium in Perth on Tuesday.

Virat Kohli shows relentless determination in Perth ahead of the first Test

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who has been under immense pressure to deliver in his hunting region following a lean patch with the bat, is looking to silence critics and prove his worth in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

The 36-year-old right-hander has been seen working hard in the nets and appeared focused and determined during India’s training nets on Tuesday. Even as rain forced an early halt to India’s practice session, Kohli's commitment stood out at the Optus Stadium.

While other Indian players sought cover, the former Indian captain remained in the nets and had a rather lengthy batting session, as he looked determined to make the most of every moment to surprise his critics. Kohli was eventually forced to stop only when the rain intensified.

He has looked solid in the nets as well as in the intra-squad match. With the first Test just two days away, Kohli’s relentless approach to training is sending a strong message about his readiness for the challenges ahead in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.

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Virat Kohli is on the verge of making history in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is on the verge of making history in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. If the dashing cricketer manages at least one century in the upcoming five Test matches, he will surpass Sachin Tendulkar to become the Indian batter with the most centuries in Australia.

Tendulkar played 20 Test matches in Australia during his illustrious career and scored six centuries. On the other hand, Kohli has played just 13 matches Down Under and has already matched the legendary cricketer’s tally with six tons to his name.

The record for most Test centuries by any visiting batter in Australia is held by England's Jack Hobbs, who scored nine centuries in 24 matches in the format. Kohli is also eyeing another milestone. If he scores two centuries during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, he will surpass former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who has the most Test centuries against India in Australia.

Ponting finished his career with seven centuries from 15 Test matches. Kohli has a strong chance to overtake both Ponting and Tendulkar in the upcoming Test series between India and Australia and further cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the game.