Sunil Gavaskar's Critique and New Challenge for Virat Kohli

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has consistently been forthright in his criticism of batting maestro Virat Kohli. During the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Kohli faced scrutiny over his strike rate and approach against spinners. Gavaskar notably criticized Kohli for his on-air outburst, where the RCB icon lashed out at those questioning his strike rate. However, Kohli silenced his critics by finishing as the season's highest run-getter with an impressive strike rate.

At 35, Kohli averaged 61.75 and achieved a strike rate of 154.69 in IPL 2024. With the season wrapping up last week, Gavaskar has now set new goals for Kohli, who is preparing for the T20 World Cup.

Looking ahead to India’s tour of Australia for a five-match Test series later this year, Gavaskar challenged Kohli to join an elite club with himself and former England captain Alastair Cook.

"On an individual level, my wish for Virat Kohli is that he becomes the third overseas player to score a Test century at all Australian venues. He hasn't yet scored one at the Gabba, so if he achieves that, he will join me and Alastair Cook," Gavaskar stated at an event, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.

Kohli has scored six Test centuries in Australia, tying the record for the most by an Indian alongside Sachin Tendulkar, and is joint-third among overseas batters. However, he has never scored a century at Brisbane’s Gabba. He missed playing at the venue during India’s historic win over Australia, the first by an away team there since November 1988.

Kohli participated in only one game of that series before returning to India for the birth of his daughter. Following his departure, Ajinkya Rahane led India to a 2-1 series victory, their second consecutive Test series triumph in Australia.