“I had predicted before the series” - Former India selector backs Virat Kohli to prove his prediction right in BGT 2024-25

Former Indian fast bowler Chetan Sharma hopes his prediction to come true about Virat Kohli with the last two Tests against Australia looming large. Chetan, who also served as the selector of the men's team, reckons the star batter will peel off two more centuries in as many Tests.

The 36-year-old has struggled in the ongoing five-Test series Down Under, barring his unbeaten hundred in the second innings of the Perth Test. Since then, the right-hander has scores of seven, 11, and three and finds himself under pressure ahead of the remainder of the series.

Speaking to ANI, the 58-year-old expressed confidence in Kohli and stated:

"He is a player who has achieved so much for us, which raises our expectations. I am confident he will perform well. Let's hope he scores two more centuries in the next two matches. I had predicted before the series that he would score three centuries in Australia."

With Kohlis last two dismissals coming by going for deliveries outside off-stump, several experts have urged him to follow Sachin Tendulkar's Sydney 2008 template. Tendulkar, notably, didn't play a single cover drive during his marathon knock of 241 in Sydney due to getting dismissed by caught behind in his previous innings.

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Virat Kohli's record at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Virat Kohli. (Image Credits: Getty)

With the fourth Test between Australia and India set to take at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), it's worth reflecting on the 36-year-old's record at the venue. The Delhi-born cricketer has churned out 316 runs in three Tests, averaging 52.67 alongside a best of 169 which came in the 2014-15 leg.

The tourists won by a massive 295 runs in the opening Test of the ongoing series in Perth but Australia bounced back to level the rubber with a ten-wicket victory in Adelaide. The hosts also dominated the majority of the Test in Brisbane but rain denied them a 2-1 lead.

Nevertheless, Pat Cummins and company are the most under pressure as they must win in Melbourne to stand a chance of reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.