As India prepares for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Australia’s veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has expressed unwavering respect for Virat Kohli, despite the Indian’s recent struggles with form.
Kohli, once a dominant force in world cricket, has endured a lean patch in recent months. In his last 60 Test innings, he has managed just two centuries and 11 half-centuries, with his average this year dipping to a modest 22.72 across six Tests. During India’s recent three-match series against New Zealand, Kohli could only accumulate 93 runs.
However, Lyon, who boasts 530 wickets from 129 Tests, remains cautious when it comes to the Indian batter. Speaking to cricket.com.au, he said, “Overall, look at his record. You don’t write off champions. I’ve got nothing but respect for Virat.”
The 36-year-old off-spinner, who has faced Kohli on numerous occasions, added, “I want to get him out, there’s no point in hiding behind that, but it’s challenging. It’s been pretty amazing competing against him so many times.”
Despite Kohli’s recent dip in form, Lyon remains wary of his ability to turn things around, particularly in the upcoming five-match Test series. He acknowledged the exceptional cricketing minds of Kohli and Australia’s own Steve Smith, calling them “probably the best two batters in our last era of this last decade.”
Lyon, one of the few members of the current squad who was also part of Australia’s victorious 2014-15 series against India, is aware of the formidable challenge posed by the Indian side. Despite India’s shocking 0-3 loss at home to New Zealand, Lyon dismissed any notions of vulnerability. “They’re dangerous all the time,” he said. “They’re a side full of superstars. They’ve got so much experience, but talented youth as well, and you can never write off that.”
Lyon, who took 22 wickets in Australia’s 2023 tour of India, expects the best from the Indian team. “I was fascinated by that series to New Zealand, but we’re expecting the best India that we’ve played against for a number of years now,” he concluded.
The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on Friday in Perth, setting the stage for another thrilling contest between two of the world’s most competitive cricketing nations.