NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Geoff Lawson anticipates a mixed reception for India’s Virat Kohli from Australian crowds during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

According to Lawson, Kohli’s fierce competitive nature could paint him as a “faux villain,” contrasting with the more amiable Jasprit Bumrah. This dynamic adds a new layer of intrigue as India strive to retain the trophy, which they have held since 2017, amid Australia’s push to reclaim it.
“Virat Kohli will play the faux villain to Jasprit Bumrah’s likeable nature,” Lawson told Mid-day. “Bumrah, with the fast bowler’s privilege of spending half a life at fine leg, has the perfect chance to interact with the crowd, winning smiles and hearts. Meanwhile, Kohli will lurk in the infield, appealing vociferously, fielding magnificently, and engaging verbally with any Australian player so inclined to conversation — and there will be one or two of those.”

Lawson commented on the complicated relationship Australian fans have with Kohli, noting they appreciate strong competition yet may react to his on-field demeanor.
“They may give him some grief if he plays the antagonist, but you can guarantee that if he makes 50s and 100s, he will be loudly applauded by the fans. He has shown a liking for Australian conditions ever since his first tour 13 years ago. Bounce and pace suited his two-footed game, but the question in 2024 is whether he still has the razor sharpness to best Australia’s attack on their home surfaces. I wouldn’t count him out.”

Despite Australia’s overall superior record in Test cricket against India, recent years have seen the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remain intensely competitive. India have held onto the trophy through three successive series wins, including two victories on Australian soil. Nevertheless, Lawson believes it is time for the trophy to return to Australia.
“Pat Cummins may smile a lot, but his competitiveness is ingrained and powerful,” Lawson noted. “Some Australian players have been quoted as having unfinished business. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been loaned to the BCCI for a decade; it’s time to get it back on the trophy shelves in Jolimont [Cricket Australia’s headquarters in Victoria]. Australia may hold the World Test Championship, but without a home series win against India, the crown sits unsteadily.”
Lawson, who represented Australia in 46 Tests and 79 ODIs between 1980 and 1989, emphasized the significance of reclaiming the trophy to reinforce Australia’s dominance in Test cricket, particularly on home soil.