Former cricketer Ravi Shastri has talked about the Fab Four’s performance and discussed Steve Smith and Virat Kohli’s performances and their recent setbacks as they compete in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
The duo has been struggling in recent times and they have not been at their best. However, Shastri believes that they will be hungry and determined to bounce back in the remaining two tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Despite scoring a century each both are struggling to maintain consistency across the three matches.
Virat Kohli showcased brilliance with a century in the second innings at Perth but faltered in the subsequent three innings on his weakness in the outside the off-stump and getting caught in behind.
With other two Williamson and Joe Root of the Fab four seemed to enjoy a stellar run in 2024, with six and four centuries respectively, Kohli and Smith has only one century each.
“I think they (Kohli and Smith) will have slipped down the ranks on current form because you know you’ve got the likes of Root taking off, there’s Williamson doing well, Harry Brook has come onto the scene, you know there are a lot of other young players pushing but these are class players.”
“In a situation like this, you know they’ll be dangerous because they’ll be hungry,” said Shastri.
Using Smith as example, Shastri lauded his patience and discipline in grinding out runs despite challenging conditions. Smith’s willingness to wait for chances has opted him one of the best.
“What’s needed you saw from Smith. It might have been a struggle early on but he was prepared to play the waiting game and be disciplined,” Shastri noted.
Shastri highlighted the importance of applying discipline early in his innings. He believes that Virat Kohli is not out of form and can turn things around with aroused effort.
“I think the same with Virat,” Shastri added. “If Virat gets over that first 30, 40 minutes, with serious application and discipline, I don’t think he’s (out of form), none of these guys are out of form.”
The third match of the BGT ended in draw after the rain spoiled the game on day 05 and both sides have one victory each. The fourth match of the Australia-India tests will be played beginning on December 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
