NEW DELHI: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has reignited the memories of Virat Kohli’s intense duels with Australia, especially his legendary face-off with Mitchell Johnson during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In a compelling column for Sportstar, Shastri revisited the raw fire and leadership that Kohli displayed during some of his most iconic Test performances.
During the Melbourne Test in 2014, tensions soared when Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson, known for his aggressive style, attempted a surprise run-out at the non-striker’s end mid-bowling stride. His throw struck Virat Kohli directly, but instead of backing down, the Indian batter responded with a powerful statement — a blazing knock of 169.
“That throw turned the game,” Shastri wrote. “But Virat rose like a storm. He was fired up and channeled it into sheer brilliance.”
Kohli’s innings helped India draw the Test match, though Australia eventually clinched the series 2-0. Yet, for Shastri, that moment marked the emergence of Kohli not just as a formidable batter but also as a leader-in-the-making.
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Kohli’s Fierce Stare-Down During Lunch
Shastri offered further insight into the intensity of the battle, recalling the tension that lingered even off the field.
“Virat kept needling Mitchell Johnson during the lunch break. They locked eyes, and I knew then—Virat wasn’t going to back down. The Australians got the message loud and clear. A fight was on.”
Kohli’s fierce attitude and refusal to be intimidated sent a wave through the Australian camp, showcasing his unshakable confidence and setting the tone for future tours Down Under.
Kohli’s 123 in Perth Outshines Even Tendulkar’s Classic Ton
Ravi Shastri also hailed Kohli’s century in the 2018 Perth Test as one of the finest innings played on Australian soil. Despite India losing that Test by 146 runs, Kohli’s 123-run knock on a fast, bouncy pitch left a deep impression.
“It was a fast track with the ball flying around,” Shastri noted. “Most batsmen looked ordinary, but Virat tore into the bowlers. Tendulkar scored a century in Perth in 1992, but the conditions were different. For me, Kohli’s ton stood taller.”
In that innings, Kohli hit 13 boundaries and a six, showcasing not just technical brilliance but an aggressive mindset that defined his captaincy era. Though he managed only 17 in the second innings, India eventually won the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1 — their first-ever Test series win on Australian soil.
A Legacy of Fire and Fight
Through his vivid recollections, Shastri painted a picture of Virat Kohli as a cricketer who thrived in adversity, never shied away from confrontation, and used every challenge as fuel to dominate the opposition.
“Virat’s ferocity gave the Australians a strong message. A fight was always on — and he relished it,” Shastri concluded.
As India looks ahead to new rivalries and fresh leadership, these tales from the past continue to shape Kohli’s enduring legacy — one defined by passion, grit, and relentless intensity.
