By: Sandipan Bose
Last time when India travelled to Australia, Virat Kohli was the vice-captain of the India’s Test team. He had a lot to prove, both as a player and stand-in-captain, in the opening Test match against the Aussies.
Eventually, Kohli won the battle with the bat but India lost the opening game. In the course of the series, Dhoni decided to retire from Test cricket and Kohli was handed over the Test captaincy baton.
Likewise, Australia’s Steve Smith had a very smooth transition. He took over the Test captaincy from Michael Clarke. He went through the motions and was able to kick-start the great culture of dominating in Test cricket.
Read More: Steve Smith Makes Mark Ahead of Test Series Against India
Today, when you look back and compare what it is now and what it was before, there is a role reversal. Kohli was just a starter as the Test leader and a very talented batsman more than two years ago.
He is right now the best in the world. In comparison, Smith too started with a huge potential and was perhaps the best in the business around that time, now has lost the top spot to Kohl’s consistency. Such is life.
To add insult to injury, Test bowler Harbhajan Singh made a very telling statement. He said that this is the weakest Australian Test team to travelled to India. It has raised question about this Australian team.
Read More: Indian Cricket Team is Tough Nut to Crack for Australian Team
With the likes of David Warner showing tremendous attitude to fight till the end, this Australian team isn’t not the one led by Ricky Ponting for sure. But writing them off right at the start of the season isn’t a wise things to do.
To Indian coach Anil Kumble’s won admission, Australia is just another team and that his team is in autopilot mode. As if, there is worry in the Indian camp that a former world No. 1 team is going to play with the reigning champions.
From here, a lot would be said on the field as well when the game begins, but right now, it is time for those who enjoy Kohli’s men ruling the roost.
