Langer Urges Fans to Cherish Kohli in Potential Final Australia Tour

Former Australian opener Justin Langer has urged fans to appreciate Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, labeling him a “superstar” ahead of what might be his final tour of Australia.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to begin on November 22 in Perth, Langer emphasized the enduring value of champions like Kohli, even as the Indian cricket team faces mounting pressure after a recent 3-0 series loss to New Zealand.

“One thing you never do is write off champions, and that’s in every sport, because they are champions for a reason,” Langer said in an interview with The West Australian.

Kohli, whose form has dipped with only two Test centuries in the last four years, has managed just one half-century in his last ten innings. His struggles were highlighted during the New Zealand series, where he averaged a mere 15.50 across three Tests.

Kohli and Team India: A “Cornered Animal”

Despite Kohli’s recent form, Langer believes the star batter will shine in the five-Test series against Australia. The former Australian coach also described the Indian team as a “cornered animal,” motivated to respond to the pressure after their New Zealand defeat.

“They’ve just been beaten 3-0 by New Zealand, so India will be humbled by that and equally determined to remedy it because the pressure on them will be intense,” Langer said.

A Lasting Legacy

Reflecting on Kohli’s contributions to cricket, Langer praised his consistency and impact in Australia, where the 36-year-old has scored over 1,300 runs at an average of 54.08 with six centuries.

“I just hope, if this is the last time Kohli is out here, people enjoy it because he is a superstar,” Langer said. “And it’s the same with Rohit Sharma, Ravi Ashwin, Ravi Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Australia’s senior bowling attack—they’re not going to be around forever.”

A High-Stakes Series

For India, the stakes couldn’t be higher. To secure a spot in the World Test Championship final for the third consecutive time, they must defeat Australia 4-0 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, without relying on other results.

Langer’s remarks underline the significance of the series, not only for the competition but for fans to celebrate cricket’s enduring legends like Kohli while they can.