AUS vs IND: How many centuries will Virat Kohli score? Sunil Gavaskar gives his prediction for the remaining Tests

In the cricketing world, Virat Kohli’s name has long been synonymous with dominance, flair, and consistency. As India’s former captain and premier batter, Kohli has carried the hopes of millions with his exploits on the field. However, over the past five years, his Test cricket form has been a subject of debate. As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 reaches a pivotal juncture, Kohli finds himself at a crossroads, eager to silence critics and rediscover his imperious touch.

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, one of the game’s finest, has expressed unwavering faith in Kohli, predicting a potential resurgence in the ongoing series. With the third Test at Brisbane’s iconic Gabba on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher for Kohli and Team India.

The Decline: Kohli’s Test Form Since 2020

Kohli’s performances in Test cricket have been far from his usual high standards since 2020. Over 36 matches, he has managed 1,961 runs at a modest average of 32.14. While these numbers would be respectable for many batters, they fall short of the lofty expectations set by Kohli’s earlier exploits.

A Glimpse of Struggles

• Kohli has registered just three centuries and nine fifties in this period, a stark contrast to his peak years when centuries flowed effortlessly.
• His vulnerabilities against deliveries in the off-stump corridor have been exposed, leading to a string of dismissals caught behind or in the slip cordon.
• The series against New Zealand before the BGT was a low point, with Kohli scoring just 93 runs in three matches.

Even in the ongoing series, Kohli’s form has oscillated. After an unbeaten century in Perth’s first Test, which rekindled hopes of a revival, he faltered in Adelaide with scores of 7 and 11, raising questions about his consistency.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Bold Prediction

Amidst criticism, Sunil Gavaskar has come forward to back Kohli, predicting that the batting maestro could score four centuries in the ongoing series. Speaking on Star Sports’ Game Plan, Gavaskar highlighted the historical significance of the Brisbane Test for Kohli.

“If he scores a century in Brisbane, it will be great. It’s an incentive, as you know you join a club of batters who have achieved this feat. After that, going forward he will play in Melbourne and Sydney, where he has scored centuries. So he can score centuries there as well. It means he can score four centuries in the series,” Gavaskar stated.

An Opportunity to Create History

Kohli stands on the brink of joining an elite group of overseas batters, including Gavaskar himself and Sir Alastair Cook, who have scored centuries at five major Australian venues.

• Brisbane: Kohli’s maiden century at the Gabba would cement his place in this exclusive club.
• Melbourne and Sydney: Kohli has already tasted success here, scoring centuries at both venues in earlier tours, making them familiar hunting grounds.

Seven Test centuries in Australia already adorn Kohli’s record—three in Adelaide, two in Perth, and one each in Melbourne and Sydney. Gavaskar believes that adding to this tally could restore Kohli’s aura as one of the game’s finest.

Lessons from Failure: The Road to Redemption

Every great batter faces phases of struggle, and Kohli’s recent challenges are not unprecedented. Gavaskar drew an interesting comparison to Sir Don Bradman, noting that even the greatest player in cricket history endured the occasional lean match.

“Bradman too never had a series where he scored runs in all Test matches. You fail in an odd Test match. I hope that the failure in Adelaide will be compensated in the upcoming three Tests,” said Gavaskar.

Technical Adjustments

Kohli’s dismissals in the current series have exposed a recurring weakness against disciplined bowling. Australia’s bowlers have exploited his vulnerability to deliveries targeting the off-stump, forcing errors that result in edges to the slips and wicketkeeper.

Gavaskar recommended a cautious approach:

“With the slight problem he is having around the off-stump, which is the case for every batter, but the line and length Australia stick to against him, if he plays that slightly carefully, runs will definitely be scored.”

Kohli’s ability to adapt has always been a hallmark of his game. Addressing this technical flaw could be the key to unlocking a series-defining performance.

The Brisbane Test: A High-Stakes Battle

As the series stands tied at 1-1, the third Test at Brisbane’s Gabba becomes a must-win for both teams. Known as Australia’s fortress, the Gabba presents a daunting challenge. The pitch, famous for its pace and bounce, has historically favored Australia’s fiery bowlers, making it a graveyard for visiting teams.

Kohli: The Catalyst for India’s Success

India’s victory at the Gabba in January 2021, which ended Australia’s 33-year unbeaten streak at the venue, remains etched in cricketing history. Though Kohli was absent during that iconic win, his return to the ground carries symbolic weight.

• A century in Brisbane would not only boost Kohli’s confidence but also serve as a rallying point for the team.
• With experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant in the lineup, Kohli’s resurgence could galvanize the batting unit.

India’s Need for Redemption

India’s ten-wicket loss in Adelaide exposed vulnerabilities in their batting order. The Brisbane Test is an opportunity for the team to bounce back and reclaim control of the series. Kohli’s form will be critical to achieving this objective, as his ability to anchor the innings and dominate bowlers has been a defining trait of India’s success in overseas conditions.

Why Kohli’s Comeback Matters Beyond Runs

Kohli’s journey is not just about statistics or centuries. It’s about leadership, resilience, and inspiring a generation of cricketers. Even as Rohit Sharma captains the side, Kohli’s presence remains a source of motivation for younger players.

• Mental Strength: Kohli’s ability to overcome adversity sets an example for teammates.
• Legacy: Every century adds to his legacy, ensuring that his name remains etched among cricket’s legends.

 Will Kohli Rise to the Occasion?

As the cricketing world watches with bated breath, the third Test at Brisbane could be a defining moment for Virat Kohli. With the backing of Sunil Gavaskar and millions of fans, Kohli has the stage set for redemption. A century at the Gabba could reignite his Test career, propel India toward series glory, and reaffirm his place as one of cricket’s all-time greats.

For Kohli, it’s not just another match. It’s a chance to silence doubters, inspire a nation, and etch his name deeper into the annals of cricketing history.

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