IND vs AUS: Dravid Predicts Big Series for Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal Against Australia

Former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid has expressed confidence in Virat Kohli’s potential for a standout performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Dravid highlighted Kohli’s stellar form and resilience, especially following his century at the start of the series.

Kohli ended his Test century drought of over 500 days with a remarkable unbeaten 100 against Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium. The innings, which featured eight fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 69.93, not only marked his return to form but also set the tone for India’s commanding 295-run victory. Dravid commended Kohli’s ability to deliver under challenging conditions, stating, “It is just nice for him to get that hundred at the start of the series. I think he could have a big series.”

The century in Perth added another feather to Kohli’s illustrious career, bringing his total to 81 international centuries, including 30 in Tests. Kohli now stands just 19 centuries shy of Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries. In 119 Test matches, Kohli has amassed 9,145 runs at an average of 48.13. His 12th international century in Australia also cements him as the most prolific batter in the country, surpassing legends like Tendulkar.

Kohli has a unique record in Australian conditions, having scored seven Test centuries, the most by an Indian batter, and equaling England’s Wally Hammond for the second-most Test tons in Australia. Across all formats, Kohli has accumulated 3,531 runs in Australia at an average of 56.95, including 12 centuries and 19 fifties.

In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli has also crossed the milestone of 2,000 runs, making him the seventh player in history to achieve this feat. In 26 matches in the series, Kohli has scored 2,147 runs at an average of 48.79, including nine centuries and five fifties.

Dravid also lauded young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has made an impressive impact since his Test debut a year and a half ago. Jaiswal, who scored a brilliant 161-run knock in Perth after a first-innings duck, showcased his composure and aggressive strokeplay against Australia’s formidable bowling attack. Dravid remarked, “To play in Perth and get a hundred in your first Test match on Australian soil, not many people have done that. He is only going to keep getting better.”

Jaiswal has had a meteoric rise in international cricket, with 1,568 runs in 15 Tests at an average of 58.07. All four of his centuries have been converted into scores of 150 or more, with a personal best of 214*. He is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, trailing only England’s Joe Root.