NEW DELHI: The Australian media has been promoting it heavily Border Gavaskar Trophy Series with a particular focus on Virat Kohligiven his immense popularity and fan following in the country.
After a two-day warm-up match in Canberra against the Prime Minister's XI, India will play Australia in a pink ball Test in Adelaide on December 6.
During an interview with ABC Sports, several Australian players were asked which Indian player they would like to have in their Test team.
Jasprit Bumrah compared to Indian great Kapil Dev
True, there was no one who spoke in favor of the captain of Team India Rohit SharmaNathan Lyons, Mitchell Marshand Alex Carey unanimously expressed their desire to have Virat Kohli in their batting line-up, acknowledging his exceptional batting acumen and the added strength he would bring to their team.
Glenn Maxwell, who played alongside Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, highlighted Kohli's consistent and outstanding performances against Australia across all formats.
“Well, it’s probably hard to get past my RCB teammate Virat. This will be a popular answer. I don't really care what he does against other nations. But it seems like every time he plays against Australia he grows a few inches.” “He'll put in the hard work this summer,” said Maxwell.
While Kohli was the most popular choice for most Australian players, Steve Smith and Travis Head decided to do it Jasprit Bumrahthe spearhead of the Indian pace.
Head's reasoning was clear: he would prefer not to face Bumrah's impressive bowling skills. “Bumrah. I don’t need to play against him,” the destructive Australian opener added.
Australian captain though Pat Cummins gave a lighthearted and cheeky answer, choosing neither Kohli nor Bumrah, much to the interviewer's amusement.
