Former Australia opener David Warner believes Indian star batsman Virat Kohli will thrive under the batting conditions in Australia during the upcoming five-Test series. Warner has cautioned his former teammates not to underestimate the Indian batting maestro, despite concerns over Kohli's and Rohit Sharma's recent form. India is aiming for a third consecutive series victory in Australia, with the first Test set to begin in Perth on Friday.
Warner, who had his own share of dry spells during his 13-year Test career, highlighted Kohli's impressive record in Australia, where he has scored 1,352 runs and six centuries in 13 Tests. "I don't worry about Virat Kohli away from Australia, I worry about Virat Kohli in Australia. He averages 55," Warner stated during a press conference on Tuesday. He expressed concern over the potential impact of favorable batting wickets on Kohli's performance, suggesting that Kohli and Sharma could excel if the conditions are right.
Warner also noted that the high-profile nature of the series could bring out the best in the 36-year-old Kohli. "I've always said you're not out of form, you're out of runs," Warner added. "The class and player that he is, he just knows how to flick that switch and turn his mindset to big series, and Border-Gavaskar trophy, he's always had a big series against us. I think that's what Australia would be fearing."
With the globalization of cricket, Warner acknowledged that touring teams are no longer unknown entities when they arrive in Australia. He is well-acquainted with the Indian team, having played alongside them in the Indian Premier League, and shares a close friendship with Kohli. "Since the IPL started, I think they've sort of grown towards playing alongside each other, loving each other, embracing each other's cultures," Warner said. However, he emphasized that on-field rivalries remain intense, predicting a 4-0 series win for Australia despite his respect for Kohli.
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