On November 5, 2024, former English footballer David Beckham extended birthday wishes to Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, who turned 36. Beckham shared an Instagram story featuring a throwback photo from the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where he witnessed Kohli’s remarkable century against New Zealand. In his message, Beckham expressed admiration for Kohli’s performance and conveyed hopes to meet again in India soon. This gesture highlights the mutual respect between two icons of their respective sports.
The series loss has intensified scrutiny on senior players, including Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma, both of whom have struggled to make significant contributions recently. Kohli’s diminishing returns have raised concerns about his ability to anchor the batting lineup, a role he has excelled in throughout his career.
Looking ahead, Kohli is set to participate in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, a five-Test series commencing on November 22, 2024, in Perth.
This series presents an opportunity for him to regain form and reinforce his position as a pivotal figure in the Indian batting order. However, the Australian pitches, known for their pace and bounce, will pose a significant challenge. Indian captain Rohit Sharma has emphasized the need for players to adapt their mindset to handle these conditions effectively.
As Kohli approaches this critical series, fans and analysts alike are keen to see if he can overcome his recent struggles and return to his prolific run-scoring ways, thereby bolstering India’s prospects against a formidable Australian side.
