'Virat Knows...': Sanjay Manjrekar Sends Warning To Struggling Kohli Ahead Of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024: The India vs Australia Test series will kickstart the Aussie Test summer on November 22, 2024. The first Test match of the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Test series will be played at the Optus Stadium, Perth. India are the defending champions of the Border-Gavaskar crown and they are eyeing their fifth consecutive series win. India have been preparing for the series opener at the Western Australia Cricket Association Ground (WACA), Perth and have been through the match simulation process.

Much to Team India's misfortunes, they will be without their regular Test skipper Rohit Sharma who stayed back in the country for the birth of his second child. Rohit Sharma is reportedly to travel to Australia and join his teammates before the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match. The onus to anchor India's batting in Rohit Sharma's absence falls upon Virat Kohli , India's most experienced batsman in Australian conditions.

Sanjay Manjrekar Warns Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, undoubtedly is a stalwart of the game and will go down as one of the greats of the game. The former India skipper has travelled to Australia on four occasions (2012, 2014, 2018 and 2020) before this tour and he knows the Australian conditions in and out. But Kohli is having a tough time in international cricket lately, especially in the red-ball format.

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Former Australia cricketer and now a broadcaster, Sanjay Manjrekar went on to say that Virat Kohli exactly knows what the Aussies are going to throw at him. 'I think Virat knows exactly what's going to be planned. They'll start with that line outside the off stump and gauge what his mindset is. These days, he often leaves balls outside off and looks to drive anything pitched up. Australia might also try to cramp him for room and attack his body since he likes to get forward', said Manjrekar while speaking on Star Sports

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India's 3-0 home series drubbing against New Zealand has heavily dented their dream. India have a herculean task ahead of them to qualify for the prestigious WTC Finals. India will play five games against Australia Down Under and they need to win four and aren't allowed to lose any if they want to play the WTC Final.