Virat Kohli backed to regain form by Justin Langer: Never write off champions

Former Australia coach Justin Langer has backed Virat Kohli to return back to form during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for India. Kohli hasn’t enjoyed the best of times in red-ball cricket having struggled in 6 matches this season. This was evident during the New Zealand Test series.

The star batter scored less than 100 runs during the 3-match series against the Blackcaps. Kohli has scored 250 runs in 6 matches with an average of 22.72. Speaking to the West Australian, Langer said that how India and Kohli fight back in Australia will be important in the series.

“One thing you never do is write off champions, and that’s in every sport, because they are a champion for a reason. In India, there are one and a half billion cricket-loving people, and then count all the rest around the world, they expect nothing but excellence, and the team will be under intense pressure, so how they fight back will be important,” he told The West Australian.

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Can’t wait to see India play

Langer continued by saying while players like Kohli, Rohit Sharma and others may get written off for being too old, he is excited to see the Indian team play. The former Australia coach feels that people would cherish seeing Kohli play, especially if it is his last time in Australia.

“And they’ll be getting written off for being too old, but people say that all the time, and I just can’t wait to see them play. I just hope, if this is the last time (Kohli) is out here, people enjoy it because he is a superstar, so is Rohit Sharma, so is (Ravi) Ashwin, so is (Ravi) Jadeja, so is (Jasprit) Bumrah. It’s the same with the Australians; the bowling attack is a very senior attack now… so really enjoy it while you can; they are not going to be around forever,” said Langer.

Kohli has a stellar record in Australia and in 13 matches, he has scored 1352 runs with an average of 54.08.