In a surprising twist ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, an Australian pacer has stirred the cricketing community by referring to Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli as the ‘villain’ of the upcoming series. This bold statement comes from former Australian cricketer Geoff Lawson, known for his forthright opinions, who predicts that Kohli’s presence will ignite the series, potentially defining the narrative of the Test matches between India and Australia. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, named after cricketing legends Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar, has always been more than just a cricket series; it’s a battleground of cricketing prowess and national pride. With the series set to commence in Australia, the stakes are high, and the anticipation even higher, especially with Kohli’s history of fiery encounters on Australian soil.
Lawson’s comment, while seemingly provocative, taps into the competitive spirit that Virat Kohli embodies.
Known for his aggressive gameplay, Kohli has often been at the center of controversies, especially during matches against Australia, where the rivalry is not just about cricket but about proving dominance in the gentleman’s game. This label of ‘villain’ might be Lawson’s way of highlighting Kohli’s role as the antagonist in the eyes of Australian fans and players, someone who challenges the status quo and pushes the boundaries of cricketing etiquette.
“Virat Kohli will play the faux villain to Jasprit Bumrah’s likeable nature. Bumrah has the fast bowlers privilege of [spending] half a life at fine leg which gives him the ideal chance to interact with the crowd, winning smiles and hearts while Kohli will lurk in the infield appealing vociferously, fielding magnificently and engaging verbally with any Australian player so inclined to conversation, and there will be one or two of those,” said Lawson while speaking to Mid-day.
The anticipation around Kohli’s performance is not without reason. His previous tours to Australia have been marked by memorable innings, contentious moments, and a significant impact on the series’ outcome. Kohli’s ability to rally his team, his relentless approach to batting, and his confrontational style with opponents have made him a figure of both admiration and ire in the cricketing world.
“Aussie crowds love a competitor like Kohli, they may give him some grief if he plays the antagonist but you can guarantee that if he makes 50s and 100s he will be loudly applauded by the fans. He has shown a liking for Australian conditions ever since his first tour 13 years ago. Bounce and pace suited his two-footed game but the question in 2024 is whether he still has the razor sharpness to best Australia’s attack on their home surfaces. I wouldn’t count him out,” added the erstwhile cricketer.
This series, however, holds a special significance. Kohli, gearing up for his fifth tour to Australia, will be looking to add another chapter to his storied career. The Australian conditions, known to be challenging for batsmen, especially from the subcontinent, have historically been a litmus test for Kohli’s skills. His performance could well dictate the series’ flow, given his track record and the psychological impact he has on both his team and the opposition.
The Australian cricket fraternity’s reaction to Lawson’s statement has been mixed. While some see it as a strategy to psyche out Kohli, others believe it might backfire, fueling Kohli’s notorious competitive fire. On social media platforms, discussions are rife with fans debating whether this will be Kohli’s moment to shine or if the Australian team will manage to dethrone their ‘villain’ on home turf.
As the cricketing world watches, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 promises not just cricket but drama, with Virat Kohli at the heart of it all. Whether he embraces the role of the ‘villain’ or turns it into a narrative of redemption and victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: cricket fans are in for a treat with Kohli’s every move under the spotlight.
