Watch- Australian players butter Virat Kohli's ego ahead of the T20 World Cup clash

Ahead of team India's clash against bitter-rivals Australia later tonight, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Marsh spoke highly of Virat Kohli. 

The much-anticipated clash between India and Australia at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 takes place tonight at the Darren Sammy Stadium in St. Lucia. This will be the first time since the 2016 edition that the two cricketing rivals are going to face each other in a T20 World Cup edition. In both of the previous editions in 2021 and 2022, there was no Indo-Aussie clash. 

India and Australia's meeting later tonight marks the third time these two rivals have faced each other in an ICC competition since 2023. Exactly a year ago, the Aussies had shell-shocked the Indians with a 200+ run victory at the World Test Championship final. Just a few months later, both of them met again in the Cricket World Cup final at Ahmedabad. 

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Therein, too, the format might have changed but the Aussie spirit didn't as Pat Cummins' side became the first team to win a white-ball and red-ball event in the same year. 2024 gives them a chance to not only land their 2nd World T20 title but also become World Champions across all formats. 

But for that to happen, the Australians will have to beat India today to qualify for the semi-finals. If they lose and Afghanistan wins against Bangladesh tomorrow, then the Asian teams will be heading to the last four stages. But if the Bangla Tigers win, then the Baggy Greens might have a slim chance.

Australia's future lies in its own hands and it will have to curb challenges against Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah among others. Ahead of the all-important clash, Aussie players that are going to be in action tonight - Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, and T20 captain Mitchell Marsh spoke highly of Virat Kohli, in an old video that has resurfaced. 

Glenn Maxwell salutes Virat Kohli's drive and dedication

Who isn't a fan of King Kohli? 💯@patcummins30, #GlennMaxwell, & #MitchellMarsh are all in awe of @imVkohli's legendary performances across all formats of the game! 🤩🔥

With an impeccable record against Australia, how do you think will Virat fare against Australia who are on… pic.twitter.com/HnUTs31ksg

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 24, 2024

While speaking to Star Sports last year, Glenn Maxwell, who has been Virat Kohli's RCB teammate, saluted the latter for his drive and dedication. Maxwell feels that whatever Kohli has achieved in his career is very admirable and has high praise for his ability to get up every day and get better. 

"His drive and dedication to get better and better every day. I think what he has been able to achieve in the game is unbelievable but he still works hard every day to get better and better. He is incredibly driven and it is so admirable - the ability to get up and get better every day." - Maxwell told Star Sports. 

Pat Cummins admires Kohli's work-rate and Mitchell Marsh throws back to Kohli's rivalry with Mitchell Johnson

ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins highlighted Virat Kohli's work rate and willingness to turn in every single game for the country. "I admire how Virat Kohli gets up for every game and gets into contests whether batting or in the field. He plays 100 days a year and he is up for every one of those." - Cummins said.

Mitchell Marsh then highlighted the rivalry Virat Kohli had with Mitchell Johnson in his initial tours of Australia. Marsh claimed that Kohli is the biggest reason why the India-Australia rivalry has heated up recently.