Former India coach Ravi Shastri delivered a message to Virat Kohli’s detractors, saying that they should write the legendary cricketer off at their own peril in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 against Australia. Kohli scored just 93 runs in six innings against New Zealand, but Shastri said that the 36-year-old will return to form in his favourite place, Australia.

Some of the former players and fans have questioned Virat’s place in the Test squad after India’s 0-3 defeat to New Zealand. Kohli has played six Tests in 2024, amassing 250 runs at an average of 22.72.

“The King is back in his territory. That’s all I want to tell his critics,” Shastri said on the latest episode of The ICC Review.

Virat is hogging the limelight in Australia, with media giving him coverage.

“He has earned that title after his performances in Australia. He will be on the mind of rivals,” Shastri added.

In 13 Tests in Australia, Virat Kohli has amassed 1352 runs, including six centuries.

Shastri urged Kohli to play cautiously in the early stages of his innings before going for runs.

“You want to see him handling the situation calmly before going after the bowlers. He should take time to throw the punch.”

Kohli led the India National Cricket Team to their first-ever red-ball series win in Australia in 2018-19.

“I think calmness is needed in the first half an hour of his innings or in the first three innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He needs to pace his knock rather than batting in a hurry.”

Perth’s Optus Stadium will host the first Test between Australia and India from November 22