Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon has refused to write off Virat Kohli despite his form ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024. The 36-year-old cricketer gave a powerful message to Kohli’s critics, highlighting the Indian batter’s overall record in Australia.

Kohli played his first Test series in Australia in 2011-12 and went on to slam four hundreds on the 2014-15 tour.

Lyon feels Kohli and Steve Smith are the two best batters of the last decade.

“Look at his overall record in Australia. You don’t write off players like him. I have nothing but respect for Virat Kohli. I want to take his wicket but that’s not easy. He and Steve Smith are the two best batters in the last decade. I have enjoyed bowling against him,” he told reporters.

Lyon mentioned that Australia are not taking India lightly despite their Test series defeat against New Zealand.

“India are a dangerous team and full of performers. They have experience and young players in the side. We are expecting to see India at their best against us.”

Meanwhile, Kohli scored just 93 runs in six innings against New Zealand, and his dismissal style surprised many, with former players urging him to take a break.