Virat Kohli slandered by Travis Head before ODI comeback

As the much-awaited India-Australia series is less than two weeks away, Travis Head has spoken about the challenge of facing Virat Kohli while hailing his competitiveness. Travis Head described Virat Kohli as one of the most intense and dynamic players in the game.

Australia’s destructive batter highlighted that Kohli’s constant presence on the field creates pressure for opponents, but it also makes the match more exciting and livelier. Head admitted that Kohli’s high energy, intensity, and consistent run-scoring make him a tough opponent for Australia.

Travis Head praises Virat Kohli’s intensity and dominance Down Under

He explained that going up against Kohli is always a challenge, as the Indian star has a remarkable record against Australian bowlers. While Kohli’s presence can be annoying at times, the Aussie star said that it adds to the thrill of the contest, and he enjoys the battle when they face each other.

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Travis Head said on Star Sports, “What do I get triggered by or annoyed by the most? I think a lot of people will say Virat Kohli because of how good he is. He's always getting runs against Australia. His high energy and high intensity in the game are amazing. He is always into you. He's always in your face. I'd like to stay nice and relaxed as well.

So, if I've got someone checking in the slips or coming past all the time, it's good fun, but hopefully I'm batting long enough in the innings to get annoyed by it, but it's always a good battle. Yeah, I've played a lot against Virat. I've always been fantastic at the play.”

🗣 "Always fantastic to play against Virat."#MitchellStarc and #TravisHead see #ViratKohli not just as tough competition, but as a truly great cricketer! 🔥#AUSvIND | 1st ODI | SUN, 19th OCT, 8 AM, on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/pxghFLHIVv

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 10, 2025

Mitchell Starc says Virat Kohli is a tough and exciting opponent

Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc also praised Virat Kohli, saying that playing against the former Indian captain has always been special. The fiery Australian fast bowler has pointed out that Kohli always enjoys playing against Australia and is always motivated to score against their bowling attack, which makes every contest challenging and exciting.

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Mitchell Starc said on Star Sports, “I’ve played a lot against Australia. Always fantastic to play against Virat and have some of those contests. He’s played for a long time. He’s been so successful for a long time.

He’s sort of held that middle order together for a long time, so his record speaks for itself. But he’s someone that our bowling attack wants to come up against and do well against. He’s likewise someone who loves playing against Australia and scoring runs against Australia.”

Virat Kohli's ODI record in Australia

Notably, Kohli is all set to make a comeback in India colors with the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19 in Perth.

He has been a powerhouse for India Down Under. In 50 ODI matches, he has scored a remarkable 2451 runs at an impressive average of 54.46.

The dashing right-handed batter has scored those runs at a stunning strike rate of 93.69. He has also smashed 8 centuries and 15 fifties so far on Australian soil in ODIs, proving his ability to dominate the conditions and consistently trouble their famous bowling attack.

Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Starc in ODIs

On the other hand, Kohli has enjoyed a strong record against the Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc across all formats. In 693 balls faced against Starc, the Indian batting legend has scored 540 runs and has been dismissed only 7 times, showing remarkable consistency.

During these encounters, the Delhi lad has hit 61 fours and 9 sixes, proving his ability to handle Starc’s pace and swing. Well, Kohli has been especially dominant against Starc in ODIs. He has scored 156 runs off 155 balls while getting out just once, giving him an extraordinary average of 156.

The former Indian captain’s strike rate of 100.6 highlights his aggressive approach, including 11 fours and 4 sixes, showing that Starc has struggled to control the Indian batting superstar.