Steve Smith and Virat Kohli have been two
central figures in India-Australia clashes over the last few years. The two
have known each other a long time now. On the field, they are fierce
competitors, but off it, they always have words of appreciation for each other.
In a recent chat on Star Sports, Steve Smith showered some more praise on Kohli
and mentioned how he feels the Border-Gavaskar Trophy this year has the
potential to become one of the epics in Test history.
The Rajasthan Royals skipper mentioned that
him and Kohli go way back. “I’ve known Virat for a long time. In 2007, I
reckon, he went out to the academy in Brisbane. While I wasn’t part of the
intake then, I was up there doing some bowling. We had some nice chats off the
field back then.”
Two of the world’s finest batsmen at the
moment, they have exchanged some words on the field a few years ago, but never
lost any respect for each other. “We’ve had a couple of run-ins in our early
days on the field. Those things happen when you are playing for your team &
your emotions, at times, can get out of control. He’s a terrific guy and is
getting better & better, which is a scary thing.”
Smith had a special mention for one of
Kohli’s gestures during the 2019 World Cup. “His gestures to some of the fans
who were giving me & Dave (Warner) some stick; I appreciated that & I
shared that with him straight up. He’s a terrific guy & the way he’s led
the Indian team has made them an amazing side. I can’t wait to play them when
they come down to Australia this year.”
India are due to play 4 Tests in Australia
later this year. On the last tour, India beat the Aussies, 2-0 and the bowlers
played a major role. With Smith and Warner slated to be part of Australia’s
squads this year, the battle is believed to be extremely competitive. Smith is
looking forward to the series and has high expectations. “I’m so excited. I
think it’s going to be one of the all-time great series. Guys like Jasprit
Bumrah have grown leaps & bounds, Mohammed Shami has got better &
better & Ishant comes with plenty of experience. There are some quality
spinners in both line-ups.”
But before that, we will be hoping for the
IPL to happen and Smudge to lead Rajasthan Royals to a successful season. If
everything goes to plan, we are set for a few exciting months of cricket later
in the year.
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