BGT 2023 | Australia will have to get the better of Virat Kohli to win the series: Marcus Stoinis

Kohli will be a key player for India [Twitter]

A day before the first Test at Nagpur, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis stated that Australia will need to get the better of former India captain Virat Kohli to win the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli has been undergoing a poor patch with the red ball for the past three years but has made a comeback of sorts in white-ball cricket lately.

Speaking on the 'Backstage with Boria' show, Stoinis explained that Kohli is a class act and has the ability to step up in a big series. 

Here's what Stoinis said

"Virat is one of the best ever. The age he is at and the stage he is in his career, he will want to use this series as his platform. The best players always choose the best series. We have seen in the T20 World cup how good he was. It is an indication how hungry he is,

He is certainly one who can push us back and we will have to get the better of him to be able to win this series. And I can tell you that we will be ready for him,”

Known for his destructive power-hitting in limited-overs, the 33-year-old said that India will miss the services of pacer Jasprit Bumrah and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who have been major contributors in their wins over the years. 

The first Test will be played at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur.

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