Virat Kohli gets the 'Big Mantra' for the Border Gavaskar Trophy

Former India coach Ravi Shastri acknowledged that people tend to mellow with age, using Virat Kohli as an example. However, Shastri believes that Kohli would benefit from reigniting his fiery, antagonist persona, particularly with the high-stakes Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 just around the corner. He suggested that a return to the combative and passionate approach that defined Kohli's peak years could give him the mental edge needed to reclaim his dominance in Test cricket. Kohli's recent struggles in the red-ball format have been a cause for concern. The 36-year-old batting maestro, who once thrived as one of the most consistent players in the world, has seen a notable dip in his Test performances since the start of 2020. Over this period, Kohli has averaged just 32 with the bat, scoring only two centuries in 60 Test innings—a far cry from his prolific past.

Virat Kohli to be India's main bet with the bat in the Border Gavaskar Trophy

In 2024, the form slump has been particularly stark. Kohli has played six Test matches this year, averaging a mere 22.72 and managing just one half-century in his last 10 innings. These numbers underscore the challenges facing the former India captain as he gears up for one of the toughest series in international cricket. Shastri’s suggestion of reviving Kohli’s aggressive on-field persona comes with the hope that it will fuel his motivation and revive the spark that once made him the centerpiece of India’s batting lineup. For Kohli, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy offers a chance to prove that class is permanent.

Ravi Shastri, who closely observed Virat Kohli's journey during his tenure as India’s head coach, emphasized the importance of the star batter reconnecting with his fiery and aggressive persona. Shastri believes that Kohli’s trademark intensity and combative spirit have been integral to his success in the longest format of the game and could be the key to rejuvenating his Test career.

Having been at the helm during some of Kohli’s finest moments, Shastri has seen firsthand how the Delhi batter thrives under pressure and channels his energy to dominate on the field. According to Shastri, Kohli’s aggressive mindset not only lifts his performance but also galvanizes the entire team, creating a winning mentality that India has often relied upon in challenging situations.

As Kohli prepares for the Australia vs India Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Shastri's call for him to embrace his fiery demeanor comes at a crucial juncture. With the batter struggling for form in recent years, returning to the intense and passionate approach that defined his peak years could provide the spark needed to reignite his Test career. For Kohli, this could be the perfect moment to channel his inner fire and remind the cricketing world of his unmatched prowess.

"You mellow with age, don't you? But I think at the start of the Test series, you might just see Kohli firing again. He needs to be. I'd like to see him like that again," said former India head coach Ravi Shastri in a recent interview. 

"In the face-that's Kohli. Come Australia, he'll get his juices flowing. It's all about how he starts, and for Australia, it's similar to Steve Smith. Don't write these guys off-if they fire in the first two or three innings, they can dominate the series," he added.

Virat Kohli has delivered some of his most iconic performances in Test cricket on Australian soil, a stage where his skill and temperament have shone brightest. Despite recent struggles, with critics questioning his future in the longest format, former India head coach Ravi Shastri remains confident that Kohli hasn’t peaked yet. Shastri believes the high-octane Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia presents the perfect opportunity for Kohli to rediscover his dominant form and silence the doubters.

Shastri’s optimism stems from his deep understanding of Kohli’s resilience and knack for rising to the occasion, especially in challenging overseas conditions. He highlighted that such high-pressure contests often bring out the best in the Delhi batter, who thrives on intensity and competition.

Commenting on India’s preparations for the series, Shastri expressed a preference for facing a well-organized opponent rather than staging an intra-squad warm-up match against India A. While he acknowledged the potential benefits of the chosen strategy, he opined that a match against a structured team would have provided a more robust challenge ahead of the grueling series. Nevertheless, Shastri backed the team’s decision and hoped the approach would work in favor of the Asian giants as they look to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

"It's always, 'how strong will the opposition be?' That's the first question you ask (planning a tour game)," Shastri concluded.