“He thrives against pace” - Irfan Pathan explains why he believes Virat Kohli will excel in 2024-25 BGT

Former cricketer Irfan Pathan took to social media on Wednesday, November 20, to explain why he believes former Indian captain Virat Kohli will do well in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22 in Perth. The Delhi-born cricketer is returning after a disappointing series against New Zealand at home, where he scored only 93 runs across six innings in three Tests as the Black Caps swept India 3-0.

However, the former India all-rounder is confident that the conditions Down Under will suit Kohli's game. Pathan added that the challenge of facing Australia in their own backyard will bring out the best in Kohli.

Irfan Pathan took to his official X account and wrote:

“Why I believe Virat Kohli will excel in Australia: 1) He thrives against pace. Despite his recent dip in Test form, his numbers against pace remain exceptional. Australia’s fast and bouncy pitches will play to his strengths. 2) Kohli feeds off energy and big challenges. The Aussies will come hard at him, and there’s no bigger Test challenge than playing Australia in their backyard. This is when Kohli’s competitive spirit truly shines.”

Virat Kohli is India’s fourth-highest run scorer in Test cricket, having accumulated 9,040 runs in 118 matches, with an average of 47.83, including 31 half-centuries and 29 centuries.

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Virat Kohli has an average of over 50 in Test cricket on Australian soil

This will be Kohli's fifth series in Australia. The 36-year-old has played 13 Tests on Australian soil, scoring 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08, with four fifties and six centuries. His standout performance came during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when Kohli scored 692 runs in four matches at an average of 86.50, including four centuries.

Overall, the experienced batter has played 25 Tests against Australia, accumulating 2,042 runs, with five half-centuries and eight centuries to his name.