Australian spinner Nathan Lyon expressed immense respect for Virat Kohli, emphasizing that the star batsman should never be written off under any circumstances.
Kohli had faced considerable scrutiny over his form heading into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having scored just two centuries and 11 half-centuries in his last 60 Test innings. In the six Tests he played in 2024, Kohli averaged only 22.72. During the most recent series against New Zealand at home, he managed just 93 runs across six innings.
“Look at his overall record—you don’t write off champions. I’ve got nothing but respect for Virat. Of course, I want to get him out; there’s no point hiding that. But it’s always a challenge and an amazing experience competing against him so many times,” Nathan Lyon told *cricket.com.au*.
The 36-year-old off-spinner, who has taken 530 wickets in 129 Tests, added, “Him and Smithy (Steve Smith) are probably the best two batters of the last decade in our era.”
Lyon is one of the four players in Australia’s current squad who were part of their last successful Test series win against India in 2014-15. While India have claimed the last two series in Australia, they arrive this time following a surprising 0-3 defeat at home against New Zealand. However, Lyon doesn’t view India as vulnerable.
“They’re dangerous all the time. They’re a team full of superstars. They have a wealth of experience combined with talented youth, and you can never underestimate that,” said Lyon, who took 22 wickets during Australia’s tour of India in 2023.
“I found that series against New Zealand fascinating, but we’re expecting to face the best version of India we’ve played against in years,” he said.
