WTC Final: Australia heavy on India respect

Virat Kohli, victorious skipper in the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar series, feels Aussies don’t take his team lightly anymore after two defeats on their home turf; WTC final at Oval set to be a cracker

Prolific batter Virat Kohli says the Indian Test team has earned formidable Australia’s respect after beating them twice in their own backyard and they are no longer taken lightly in the traditional format.

Putting up a solid show of grit and gumption, India pipped Australia in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 editions of the Border-Gavaskar trophy by a similar 2-1 margin.

“Rivalry was intense in the beginning, the environment was also very tense. But since we have won in Australia twice, the rivalry has turned into respect and we are not taken lightly anymore as a Test team,” Kohli told Star Sports.

Virat Kohli

“We can feel that respect when we play against Australia, that ‘they have beaten us twice in our own backyard back-to-back and it will be a battle of equals’.”

Tension in the air

“There used be tension in the air which is not the case now. When you achieve a standing, make your presence felt in the ground no one takes you lightly.”

The familiar foes are slated to play the World Test Championship final at The Oval starting Wednesday.

The talismanic Indian batter said he is always motivated to do well against Australia as they seldom give opportunities to their opponents to excel.

“I understand that mindset that all 11 players are on the same page and they will look to capitalise on even an inch. So, my motivation increases against this team (Australia) that is so aware and competitive, I have to elevate my game.

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“The motivation and drive they have, they won’t let you comeback in the game. So I had to take my game to the next level,” Kohli said. 

The former India skipper reckons the result of the WTC final will boil down to teams adjusting and adapting to the conditions.

Oval will be challenging

Both Australia and India have struggled at The Oval. While Australia have won just seven of their 38 Test matches, India have managed just two victories in 14 games. “I think The Oval will be challenging, we won’t get a flat wicket and batters need to be cautious. We will need to concentrate on our focus and discipline,” Kohli said.

“So you need to have the experience to play as per the conditions and we cannot go in with the expectation that The Oval pitch will play as it always has. 

So we have to adjust and adapt, we have only one match in a neutral venue so whoever adapts better will win the match.
“This is the beauty of the World Test Championship, two neutral teams with no home advantage, so it will be very exciting to see how both teams adapt to the situation.”

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