“He is not gelling with the captain probably and the coach” – Brendon Julian senses friction involving Virat Kohli ahead of 2024-25 BGT

Former Australian cricketer Brendon Julian feels Virat Kohli is not gelling with captain Rohit Sharma and the coach, Gautam Gambhir, which is leading to his downfall. Julian noted that the way Kohli got out in the three-match Test series against New Zealand, was surprising as he is one of the best in the business.

Kohli could only score 93 runs in three Test matches at an average of 15.50 whereas he scored only 99 runs in two Test matches against Bangladesh at an average of 33. 

However, Kohli has scored 2042 runs in 25 Test matches against Australia at an average of 47.48, including eight centuries. Kohli has even better numbers while playing in Australia as he has scored 1352 runs in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 54.08, including six centuries.

“The way that Virat Kohli got out against New Zealand – for him to get out like that in that Test series was unbelievable. Kohli is not at his best. He is not gelling with the captain probably and the coach but having said that, he can quickly turn it around. But if they start pulling in Perth, I reckon it’ll be all over,” Julian said on Fox Sports.

On the other hand, Julian predicted that Australia will wrap up India in four days in the opening Test match at Perth in the absence of full-time skipper Rohit Sharma.

“The Aussies will clean up India in 4 days. There are worrying signs for India, straight at the top. Rohit Sharma is not playing the first Test; he has come out and said that. So Jasprit Bumrah will captain the side. Now that’s a lot of pressure when you’re the opening bowler. He is a wonderful bowler; no doubt about that. But all of a sudden when you’re opening the bowling and captaining the side, that’s a whole different ball game,” Julian added.

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.