Lawson terms Virat Kohli 'faux villain' ahead of Australia tour
What's the story
Former Australian cricketer Geoff Lawson has labeled Indian cricket star Virat Kohli as a "faux villain." The ex-pacer made this comment in anticipation of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India will face Australia in a five-Test series. This tour marks Kohli's fifth visit to Australia, a country against which he has over 2,000 runs in Test cricket.
Crowd response
Lawson anticipates mixed crowd reaction for Kohli
Despite no longer being the captain, Lawson predicts a "mixed reaction" from the crowd for Kohli Down Under. He told Mid-day, "Virat Kohli will play the faux villain to Jasprit Bumrah's likable nature." He further added that while Bumrah may win over fans with his interactions, Kohli is expected to engage in verbal spats with any Aussie player willing to converse.
Stellar performance
Kohli's impressive track record in Australia
Kohli's performance against Australia has been exceptional, with an average of 47.49 runs per Test. He owns 2,042 runs from 44 Tests in this regard, a tally that includes 13 fifty-plus scores (eight tons). During his last two tours Down Under in 2018/19 and 2020/21, India emerged victorious under his leadership and that of Ajinkya Rahane, respectively.
Trophy return
Lawson believes BGT has been with India for too long
Lawson also expressed his desire to see Australia win the Border-Gavaskar series. He stated, "The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been loaned to the BCCI for a decade, it's time to get it back on the trophy shelves in Jolimont [Cricket Australia's headquarters in Victoria]."
BGT
Australia last beat India in 2014/15
Australia last beat India in a Test series in the 2014/15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (2-0). India avenged the loss by winning the loss with a 2-1 win at home. The series was embroiled in controversies. India then became the only Asian side with a Test series win in Australia (2018/19). They also won the 2020/21 series Down Under before beating Australia at home (2023).