I know Virat will feel right at home – Mitchell Johnson

Virat Kohli’s aggression in Australia has been well chronicled and his heroics are once again what India will be looking forward to when they lock horns with the mighty Aussies for the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Back in 2014, Kohli forged an iconic rivalry against the mighty Mitchell Johnson and the chronicles got etched in the fabric of the King’s gilded empire.

Ahead of India’s upcoming five-match Test series against Australia in the latter’s backyard, former Australian fast bowler who was a part of the iconic feud, Mitchell Johnson revealed how they tested Virat Kohli in all possible manner back in 2014 and yet his unwavering attitude saw Kohli defy all odds.

Writing for The West Australian, Mitchell Johnson said, “I was legitimately trying to run him out but he didn’t like what I did. He made some comments in the media that night about having no respect for me as a player, which annoyed me.”

He further added, “We got him off guard early and had him playing at a ball he didn’t need to in frustration and unfortunately we dropped him on not many. He then focussed and harnessed his energy and piled on the runs – all 169 of them. Also remember the cover drives, the pull shots and the urgency of his running between wickets.”

Johnson continued, “One of the best players in the world playing me with so much time, I think I even said ‘good shot’ in my head a few times after being driven down the ground.”

Talking about the current situation and Kohli’s battles in recent times, Johnson said, “I wonder if the situation will give him all the determination he needs or if it will all be too much for him. As a fan now watching on, maybe I’d like to see him make one more Test ton in Australia. As his adversary from a decade ago, maybe not.”

He concluded by stating, “Ultimately, I want to see the best against the best and a series played with all the fire and urgency that has come to mark this great rivalry. And I know that’s where Virat will feel right at home.”