Ex-India skipper Virat Kohli, arguably the greatest batter in modern day cricket, is definitely the key to India's success in the upcoming IND vs AUS World Test Championship (WTC) Final, starting from June 7 at The Oval. Virat loves batting against Australia, especially in the longest format but he struggles to score runs in the English conditions. From 2014 to 2022, Virat played 16 Test matches on English soil, scoring 1,033 runs at an average of 33.32 with 2 centuries and 5 half-centuries. There's no doubt that It will be highly challenging for Kohli to get runs against Australia's lethal bowling lineup on a bouncy Oval track. If we keep aside Virat's batting record in English conditions, he has a remarkable Test record against Australia. In 24 Tests vs Australia, Virat has scored 1,979 runs at an average of 48.26, with eight tons and five fifties.
Meanwhile, ahead of India vs Australia WTC Final clash on Wednesday, Virat did an interview with Star Sports where he said, "Australian team is a very competitive side that if you give them even a small window, they will come very hard at you and capitalise. Their skill set is really high. That is the reason my motivation increases even more and I had to take my game to the next level against them. I have to rise and elevate my game against Australia to beat them."
Virat said that the conditions at The Oval will be tough in the final.
"We would not get a flat wicket and batters need to be cautious. We need more focus and have to adapt to the situation and conditions. We will need more focus and discipline while batting," added Virat.
"The toughest part about in seaming and swing conditions in England is about choosing the ball you need to hit, defend or leave. Playing with solid technique is important. The balance is very important while batting," said Virat.
Virat said that "Adaptability is the key" during the WTC final.
"Whichever team is able to adjust and adapt to the conditions, the pitch will win the match," added Virat.
Virat also talked about the rivalry between India and Australia.
The batter said that after India won two-Test series against Australia in their own backyard, the rivalry turned to respect.
"In the beginning, the rivalry was seen between India and Australia. But after we won two-Test series in Australia, the Rivalry has turned into Respect. Now when you play against Australia, The respect is visible, that they (India) beat us back-to-back in Tests," said Virat.