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Australian Pacer Calls Virat Kohli As 'Villain' Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Virat Kohli & Mitchell Johnson in during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (X)Virat Kohli & Mitchell Johnson in during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (X)

As the cricketing world gears up for another epic showdown between India and Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024, all eyes are on Virat Kohli.

The Indian superstar, known for his fiery temperament and unmatched talent, is set to make his fifth tour Down Under. But this time, the dynamics have shifted. No longer captain, but still very much the heartbeat of the Indian team, Virat Kohli is expected to bring his trademark intensity to the series.

Geoff Lawson Tags Virat Kohli as the 'Villain' Australia Needs

Former Australian fast bowler Geoff Lawson has weighed in on what to expect from Kohli in this high-stakes contest. According to Lawson, Kohli will assume the role of the "faux villain," a part he has perfected over the years on Australian soil.

"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.

Kohli’s aggressive on-field persona has always made him a lightning rod for attention, and Australian crowds have enjoyed playing their part in this ongoing drama.

Lawson suggested that while some sections of the crowd might give Kohli a hard time, they are equally likely to cheer him on when he delivers with the bat.

"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.

Meanwhile, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has become one of the most fiercely contested prizes in cricket, with India holding the upper hand since 2017.

Despite Australia’s superior overall Test record against India, recent series have been evenly matched. As the trophy returns to the battlefield on November 22, all eyes will be on Kohli, who remains the linchpin of India’s hopes.

Whether it’s his swansong or not, Kohli’s legacy in Australia is already etched in gold, and this series might just add another chapter in the glorious career of the legend.