Virat Kohli in Test Cricket (Source:@imVkohli, x.com)
India and Australia are mere days away from the commencement of highly awaited Border Gavaskar Trophy. The mind games have already begun off-field with former Australian cricketer and World Cup winner has claimed that the home-time will beat India inside four days in the upcoming Perth Test.
Ex-Australian cricketer and commentator, Brendon Julian has instilled a lot of faith in Australia defeating India while also claiming how the absence of Rohit Sharma will put a lot of pressure on Jasprit Bumrah, who will be under pressure captaining India as per him.
Bumrah To Captain India In Perth
The Perth Test is slated to begin from 22 November onwards and most likely India's red-ball and ODI skipper, Rohit Sharma will be missing it due to personal reasons. In his absence, India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir revealed that Jasprit Bumrah will be captaining the side.
"The Aussies will clean up India in 4 days. There are worrying signs for India, straight at the top. Rohit Sharma is not playing the first Test; he has come out and said that. So Jasprit Bumrah will captain the side. Now that's a lot of pressure when you're the opening bowler. He is a wonderful bowler; no doubt about that. But all of a sudden when you're opening the bowling and captaining the side, that's a whole different ball game," Julian told Fox Cricket.
Brendon Julian Takes A Dig At Kohli
Furthermore Julian has also claimed that out-of-form batter Virat Kohli is not on the same page as Rohit and head coach Gautam Gambhir blaming the transition phase.
"The way that Virat Kohli got out against New Zealand - for him to get out like that in that Test series was unbelievable. Kohli is not at his best. He is not gelling with the captain probably and the coach but having said that, he can quickly turn it around. But if they start pulling in Perth, I reckon it'll be all over," he added.
Kohli’s recent performances have been a cause for concern. In 19 international matches this year, he has managed just 488 runs at an average of 20.33, including only two half-centuries across 25 innings. His highest score during this period has been 76, a stark contrast to his past dominance in the Test format.