Since the time Virat Kohli has reached Australia the local media is buzzing with excitement ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. News Publications like The West Australian and Sydney Morning Herald have made the 36-year-old the center of attention, splashing his image on their front pages. However, alongside the praise, they haven’t held back from pointing out his recent struggles with the bat. It’s clear that the Australian media has a unique fascination with “King Kohli.”
The Sydney Morning Herald featured a large image of Kohli on the front page of its sports section with the headline “A Heavy Crown.” The article highlighted how the star batter has been under scrutiny for his performances in Test cricket over the past five years. Despite boasting an impressive record of 29 Test centuries, Kohli has managed only two in the last four years, both coming in 2023, one against Australia and another against the West Indies at Port of Spain.
Adding to the criticism, the report pointed out Kohli’s poor form in the recent Test series against New Zealand, where India suffered a 0-3 defeat at home, Kohli managed less than 100 runs across the entire series, raising questions about his consistency in the longest format.
Meanwhile, The West Australian has taken a different approach, creating a frenzy with their front-page title “Kohliwood: Cricket God and his Indian teammates have Perth in a frenzy.” Kohli’s presence has certainly captured the attention of fans and media. There is speculation that this might be Kohli’s final Test series in Australia. However, his campaign hasn’t started well. In a closed-door Intra squad match simulation at the WACA in Perth against, Kohli could only manage to score 15 runs before edging one delivery to first slip. All eyes will be on Kohli as he prepares to face Australia in what promises to be a thrilling series.