Dear Lykkers! India’s star batter, Virat Kohli, has landed in Perth ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), making him the first player from the Indian squad to reach Australia.

Kohli’s early arrival sets the tone for India’s preparation for the crucial series against Australia. Accompanied by his wife, Anushka Sharma, and their children, Vamika and Akaay, the 36-year-old cricketer wasted no time in getting ready for the demanding Test series.

Kohli Leads the Charge for India’s Preparations

Kohli's early arrival in Perth is a clear indication of his commitment to the series. As the first member of the Indian squad to land in Australia, Kohli will begin his individual preparations for the first Test, set to begin on November 22 at the WACA Ground. India’s squad has split into two batches, with the first group already en route, while the second batch is expected to arrive shortly. Despite reports that Captain Rohit Sharma has not yet joined the squad due to the imminent birth of his second child, Kohli’s leadership and experience are sure to be pivotal in guiding the team through their preparations.

Rohit Sharma's Absence: Who Will Lead the Team?

While many speculated that Virat Kohli would step in to lead India in the first Test if Rohit Sharma is unavailable, it has now been confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will take over the leadership role in Sharma’s absence. Head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed the development during a pre-departure press conference. Despite the leadership shift, Kohli’s experience and ability to thrive under pressure will remain crucial to India’s plans.

Kohli's Family Makes the Journey with Him

Kohli's family, including Anushka Sharma and their two young children, accompanied him on his journey to Australia. Despite his celebrity status, Kohli was seen requesting the paparazzi to respect his family’s privacy while posing for photos himself. Kohli’s efforts to protect his family’s privacy amidst the spotlight show his commitment to their well-being while focusing on his professional responsibilities.

Gambhir Defends Kohli Amid Criticism

In the lead-up to the BGT, Kohli has faced criticism, especially from former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting. Ponting had raised doubts about Kohli’s form, suggesting that any other player would have been dropped after scoring only two centuries in five years. However, Gautam Gambhir, a staunch supporter of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma, has strongly defended the Indian duo. Gambhir expressed confidence that Kohli would bounce back and prove his critics wrong, especially after a tough home Test series.

India’s Training at WACA: Tight Security Ensured

The Indian team is set to begin training at the WACA Ground on Tuesday, where tight security will be in place to ensure that the team’s preparations remain under wraps. The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be held on November 22, and India is expected to be fully prepared for a hard-fought contest with Australia.

As India prepares for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Virat Kohli’s early arrival and leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role. With the first Test just around the corner, the Indian team’s strong preparation at the WACA Ground will be key to their success in the series. Whether or not Kohli is asked to lead, his experience and determination to succeed will be a significant asset for the Indian squad in their quest for victory.