Former India captain Virat Kohli turned 36 on November 5, 2024. Kohli has been facing widespread criticism for failing to score big in the recently concluded Test series at home where New Zealand completed a 3-0 cleansweep against India. Amidst criticism, Kohli's former teammate Yuvraj Singh wrote a heartwarming birthday post on his 36th birthday. India's ODI and T20 World Cup-winning all-rounder backed Kohli to make a comeback in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.
Yuvraj wrote on X: "Wishing you a very Happy Birthday #KingKohli! The greatest comebacks emerge from our setbacks and the world eagerly looks forward to your solid comeback (fire emoji) you’ve done it in the past and I’m sure you will do it yet again (other emojis) God bless! lots of love".
Yuvraj also posted a one minute 13 seconds long video featuring Kohli's photos and videos from the times he scored centuries or won the game for India. Towards the end, Kohli praises Yuvraj as he says, "Best swing in the game. That's why he plays golf as well now." Also, he poked fun at Yuvraj saying, "Basketball? Knees are no good."
Kohli's lean patch
Kohli has not scored a hundred in Test cricket this year. He missed the home Test series against England due to personal reasons. He did not score a fifty against Bangladesh in the two-Test series. Against New Zealand, he scored 93 runs from six innings including a 70-run knock in Bengaluru Test. He registered single-digit scores in the loss at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. His last Test century was against West Indies in Port of Spain in July 2023.
Kohli's record against Australia in Australia
Like Yuvraj, Kohli has had a good record against Australia. On Australian soil, he has scored 1,352 runs from 13 Tests at an average of 54.08 including six centuries and four fifties. Irrespective of the venue, he has eight Test centuries against Australia.
Next Test for Kohli
The Test series will begin at Perth Stadium on November 22. Before the day/night Test at Adelaide Oval, India will have a two-day warm-up match against Prime Ministers XI starting November 30 at Canberra, Manuka Oval.
