Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes that veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Steve Smith will be very motivated to perform in the remaining two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia.
Virat Kohli and Steve Smith have both struggled to produce consistent performances in the ongoing five-match Test series, which is currently tied at 1-1 after the third Test ended in a draw at the Gabba in Brisbane last week. Now, India and Australia are gearing up for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Ravi Shastri backs Virat Kohli and Steve Smith to bounce back in final two Tests of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Notably, both Kohli and Smith have scored centuries in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, but they have been inconsistent, as the Indian batting icon made a strong comeback after a century in Perth but failed to maintain the momentum due to repeated errors. .
Likewise, the Australian batting maestro has not been at his best this year, but his century in Brisbane would have certainly boosted his confidence to return to form in the remainder of the two Test matches of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. .
Ahead of the scheduled Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26, Ravi Shastri said strong performances by Joe Root, Kane Williamson and rising stars like Harry Brook will make Virat Kohli and Steve Smith more dangerous in the tournament. Upcoming BGT tests.
Virat and Smith will drop down the ranks: Ravi Shastri
The former Indian coach also believes that Kohli and Smith have slipped down the rankings due to their current form and the amazing performances of Joe Root, Kane Williamson and Harry Brook. However, the commentator feels that both are top-class players and will be hungry to perform.
Ravi Shastri said in the ICC review: “I think Virat and Smith will go down the pecking order because, you know, you've got the likes of Root coming on, there's Williamson in good form, Harry Brook has come up to No. 1. A scene; you know there's a lot of Other young players who are pushing, but these are top-class players in a situation like this, you know they will be dangerous because they will be hungry.”
Moreover, Ravi Shastri stated that Steve Smith already knows what he has to do, as evidenced by his impressive century in Brisbane. The former Indian captain believes that Kohli, like Smith, needs to focus on showing discipline in the first 40 minutes in order to settle into his rhythm and regain his form.
I don't think he's out of his league: Ravi Shastri on struggling Virat Kohli
“What is required I saw from Smith,” Shastri signed off. “It may have been struggling early, but he was willing to play the waiting game and be disciplined. And I think it's the same with Virat. If Virat gets past the first 30 or 40 minutes, with the hard application and discipline, I don't think he's out of form; none of these guys are out of shape.
Notably, popular England batsman Joe Root tops the scoring charts among the Fab Four in 2024, with 1,556 runs in 17 Tests at an average of 55.57. On the other hand, New Zealand batting master Kane Williamson has the highest Test average of 59.58, with 1,013 runs.
Speaking of Steve Smith, the Australian right-hander is at the bottom with just 337 runs, but his average of 28.08 is still better than that of Virat Kohli, who has scored just 25.06 runs per innings this year.