Who can forget the fierce clash between Virat Kohli and Mitchell Johnson during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy? Even though India lost the series 0-2, Kohli's brilliant batting made it memorable. Especially in Adelaide, debuting as captain in his first Test, Kohli scored a century in both innings.
Kohli scored a total of 692 runs in that 4 match series, averaging 86.50 in four matches. It included four centuries. Johnson praised Kohli's aggression and the way he led the team during this series.
Johnson on Kohli
Talking to The West Australian Mitchell Johnson said, "I saw one thing about Virat Kohli first – he was ready for every fight. We had not seen such aggression in Indian players before. We used to say our thing, but there was never a response from the front. Kohli changed that era. He stood the whole team with him and showed how to play tough cricket. ”
Controversy in Melbourne Test
In the 2014 Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, there was a heated debate between Johnson and Kohli on the field. Johnson tried to run out during his bowling stride, but the ball hit Kohli, which made him angry. Kohli then made a statement against Johnson in the media that he has no respect for Johnson.
In that match, Kohli played a brilliant innings of 169 runs in the first innings and made 54 runs in the second innings to help India draw the Test, Johnson wrote about this, "I tried to get him out, but he did not like it. He said something angrily, and we unsettled him quickly. Unfortunately, we dropped his catch. After this, he focused and played a tremendous innings. I watched his cover drives, pull shots and his running. Sometimes I had to say to myself, 'What a shot.' ’”
Johnson eyes upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
This will be Virat Kohli's fifth Test series in Australia. However, Kohli is currently struggling in Test form and his average has also come down to below 50. This time all eyes will be on whether Kohli will be able to bring his form back.
"I wonder if these conditions will give him more motivation or increase the pressure," Johnson said. As a fan, I would like to see him score another hundred. But being a competitor from a decade ago, maybe not. At the end of the day, I just wish this series to be played with the same intensity and competition that is hallmark of this great rivalry." And I know Virat will feel most comfortable there.”