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When Virat Kohli Clashed With Peak Mitchell Johnson In Australia, As Narrated By Rahane

image-lr60tw0rKohli vs Johnson (X.Com)

Virat Kohli, a cricket luminary revered for his ability to consistently amass substantial runs, continues to defy the toughest of playing conditions with his unparalleled resolve. Fearless in the face of challenges, he confronts the mightiest adversaries head-on, showcasing an unwavering determination to excel.

Be it Dale Steyn, James Anderson or Pat Cummins, the cricketer has encountered and overcome a number of top-tier bowlers of his generation. Back in December 2014, at a time when Kohli was still finding his feet in overseas Test conditions, he boldly squared off against a rampaging Mitchell Johnson, who was still fresh from his 37-wicket Ashes campaign from the preceding summer.

When Virat Kohli bashed peak Mitchell Johnson

Back in December 2014, team India toured Australia for a four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Already 0-2 down after defeats in the first two Tests, Indian bowlers leaked 530 runs to Australia in the first innings of the match at the iconic MCG.

Up against a huge Australian total, Virat Kohli made his way to the crease at 108-2, and was soon joined by then number five Ajinkya Rahane at 147-3. The two cricketers employed aggressive run-scoring intent, as they shared a 262-run partnership from the subsequent 57 overs.

During their counterattacking stand, Kohli even launched a verbal tirade against Australia’s ace speedster Mitchell Johnson. The two fiery competitors kept engaging each other with occasional verbal exchanges throughout their presence together at the crease.

Years down the line, Rahane revealed on a chat show that he did not stop Kohli from sledging Johnson because he did not want to risk his partner’s momentum. The move seemingly worked wonders for the prolific Indian batter, as he amassed his then career-best score of 169 in the innings.

Kohli belted 18 boundaries in his whirlwind knock, and even took Johnson to the cleaners as India kept their first innings deficit down to 65 runs.

“Virat Kohli is very aggressive, and he kept responding back to Mitchell Johnson. So I noticed when Virat was sledging back Johnson, then Johnson’s face indicated that he was going on the backfoot. So I did not stopped Virat. Because despite sledging, Virat was attacking Australia and batting well, and I did not want to risk breaking his momentum.”

Watch: Ajinkya Rahane recalls Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Johnson battle

The match and its subsequent fixture eventually ended in high-scoring draws, allowing hosts Australia to take the four-match series 2-0.

While Virat Kohli bossed over Mitchell Johnson throughout the Tests, the Australian speedster procured the last laugh a couple of months later at the 2015 World Cup semifinals.