Smith’s Surprising Praise for Kohli
Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith recently said that Indian cricket star Virat Kohli plays with an Australian mindset. Smith called Kohli a fierce competitor who loves challenges and always tries to dominate the opposition. This comparison came before the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India and Australia will compete in a five-match Test series.
Smith’s remark surprised fans, especially given the intense India-Australia rivalry. “I believe Virat Kohli is Australian in thoughts and action. He embraces challenges and tries to dominate the opposition. He’s probably the most Australian of the Indian players,” Smith said in a video shared by Star Sports on X (formerly Twitter).
Kohli’s Legacy in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy starts on November 22 and promises excitement. India has won the last two editions, securing victories in Australia during the 2018/19 and 2020/21 seasons. These wins were significant as India was the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia.
Kohli played a crucial role in India’s successes against Australia. As a leader and a top-order batsman, he delivered match-winning performances. Kohli, with 80 international centuries, including 29 in Test cricket, has scored 8,846 runs across 113 Tests with an average of 49.16. His aggressive style, mental toughness, and ability to perform under pressure have made him one of the greatest batsmen.
Kohli and Smith: A Healthy Rivalry
Steve Smith’s admiration for Kohli may surprise some, but the two cricket legends share a healthy rivalry. Smith, with 9,685 runs in 109 Tests at an average of 56.97, is also one of the finest batsmen. Despite their competition, Smith revealed no animosity or desire to outshine Kohli.
“There’s no need to beat him or anything like that. It’s about playing, scoring runs, and helping Australia succeed. That’s what it’s all about,” Smith said during his interview.
He also mentioned that he and Kohli often exchange messages and maintain a good relationship off the field. “We get on quite well, share messages now and then. He’s a great guy and a wonderful player. It’s going to be nice to come up against him again this summer,” Smith added.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25: A Rivalry Renewed
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most fiercely contested series in cricket. The 2024/25 edition will feature five Test matches at iconic venues across Australia. The series will start with the first Test in Perth, followed by a pink-ball Test in Adelaide, then Brisbane, Melbourne, and finally Sydney.
Both teams will field strong squads. India aims to maintain their recent dominance, while Australia seeks to reclaim the title. For fans, the Kohli-Smith matchup will be one of the most exciting aspects of the series. These two greats, with their contrasting styles, will provide thrilling moments throughout the series.
Kohli’s Aggression: A Key to His Success
Steve Smith’s comment about Kohli being “Australian in spirit” highlights the Indian cricketer’s mindset. Kohli’s aggressive attitude and never-back-down approach are key factors in his success. His hunger to win and intense focus allow him to perform at the highest level, even in the most challenging situations.
Kohli thrives under pressure, especially against tough opponents like Australia. Whether scoring centuries in difficult conditions or leading his team to victory, Kohli has proved time and again that he relishes a challenge. His aggressive approach may remind some of Australian cricketers, known for their competitive spirit.
Smith and Kohli: A Friendship Beyond the Game
Despite the rivalry on the field, Smith and Kohli share mutual respect and admiration. Over the years, they have built a friendship that goes beyond cricket. Their interactions on social media, including exchanging messages, reflect the bond they share as two of the greatest cricketers.
This friendship was evident during the 2019 World Cup when Kohli defended Smith in front of the crowd after he was booed following the ball-tampering scandal. Kohli’s gesture showed his respect for Smith as a fellow cricketer. Moments like these highlight the sportsmanship and mutual admiration between the two players.
Looking Forward to the Series
As the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, all eyes will be on the clashes between Virat Kohli and Steve Smith. Both players have been central to their teams’ successes, and their performances will be crucial.
Steve Smith’s recent comments about Kohli being “Australian in spirit” have added excitement to the series. Fans can expect intense competition, incredible individual performances, and memorable moments as these two cricketing giants go head-to-head once again.
With Kohli’s aggressive approach and Smith’s consistency, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling series in recent years. Whether it’s Kohli’s “Australian mindset” or Smith’s calm demeanor, both players are sure to leave their mark on this historic rivalry. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
