Indian cricketer Virat Kohli opened up about the rivalry with Australia ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final. He said that after they defeated Australia twice in their backyard the rivalry has now turned into respect and they are now on the same page with them.
The rivalry between India and Australia has taken a new turn after India bagged two back-to-back series win down under. Until then it was the Australian side that used to dominate the Indian team. But after that it has been India all together.
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The series win in 2020-21 is something that will remain fresh in the minds of many fans. India suffered a humiliating loss in the first game in Adelaide as they were bundled out for just 36 runs. Senior players got injured and despite all the obstacles, they bounced back to win the series 2-1 under stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane.
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Virat Kohli while talking about the rivalry between India and Australia said that they have a presence now and are on the same level as Australia. Speaking to Star Sports, he said:
“The rivalry between India and Australia, in the early days, used to be a lot intense. There used to be a tense environment. But after we won 2 series in Australia, the rivalry has turned into respect. We can’t be taken lightly as a Test team. We can see the respect the oppositions have for us.
“They expect us to give a close fight even in their conditions. We can’t be taken lightly anymore. There used to be tension in the air in the past. But that’s not there now. You have your presence now, there’s standing on level terms now.”
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ICC World Test Championship Final: “The team that adapts better will prevail,” says Virat Kohli
The two teams are now slated to lock horns with each other in the ultimate Test. India and Australia will face each other in the final of ICC World Test Championship Final. The blockbuster clash will take place at The Oval, England from 7th to 11th June with 12th June being the reserve day. Both teams will play at the neutral venue and it promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Virat Kohli feels that adapting to conditions will be key to the ICC WTC Final. He also highlighted conditions at the Oval and elaborated:
“You can’t expect a certain type of condition when you go out and bat at the Oval. There is a need to adapt and adjust quickly. It’s only a one-off match for both teams. The team that adapts better will prevail. This is the beauty of WTC, there are two teams at a neutral venue. And the beauty of it is to see how the two teams adapt.”
This is the second time India has reached the final of the ICC World Test Championship Final. They suffered a disappointing loss against New Zealand in the previous Final. They would be hoping to turn things around this time. It’s fair to say with the way things have panned out in the last few months, Virat Kohli will be crucial for India’s chances.
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The post ICC World Test Championship Final: “There Used To Be Tension In The Air In The Past. But That’s Not There Now,” Virat Kohli Says India Is On The Same Page With Australia Now appeared first on CricketAddictor.
