IND vs AUS: Steve Smith's 'Australian' comment for Virat Kohli sets the tone for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Virat Kohli is Australian in thought and action, says Steve Smith

Veteran batsman Steve Smith offered a unique perspective on Virat Kohli’s mindset on the field, suggesting that the former Indian captain embodies an Australian approach in both thought and action.

The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will see India and Australia renew their intense rivalry in a crucial five-match series across Perth, Adelaide (featuring a pink-ball match), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. India has claimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia the last two times it was contested, in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

"I believe Virat Kohli is Australian in thoughts and action. The way he gets into a battle, the way he embraces the challenge and aims to overcome the opposition. He’s probably the most Australian of the Indian players, I’d say," Smith remarked in a video posted by Star Sports on 'X'.

.@stevesmith49 describes @imVkohli in his own way, talks about his approach on the field and looks forward to face him in the #BorderGavaskarTrophyCatch them in action in #BGTonStar, FRI 22 NOV onwards!pic.twitter.com/29ruvJSUpk
September 10, 2024

"There’s no real, you know, need to beat him or anything like that. It’s just about going out, playing, and trying to score as many runs as I can to help Australia achieve success, and that’s what it’s all about," he added.

Smith also mentioned that he and Kohli often exchange messages and expressed his eagerness to face Kohli again in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22.

"We get on quite well, share messages every now and then, and look, he’s a great guy and obviously a wonderful player. It will be nice to come up against him again this summer," said Smith.