As the much-awaited India-Australia series is less than two weeks away, Travis Head has praised Virat Kohli’s competitiveness while talking about the challenge he will face. Travis Head described Virat Kohli as one of the most intense and dynamic players in the game.
The destructive batsman from Australia highlighted that Kohli’s constant presence on the field creates pressure for the opponents, but it also makes the match more exciting and lively. Head admitted that Kohli’s high energy, intensity and consistent run-scoring makes him a tough opponent for Australia.
Travis Head praises Virat Kohli’s intensity and dominance
He said that going against Kohli is always a challenge as the Indian star has an excellent record against Australian bowlers. While Kohli’s presence can be annoying at times, the Australian star said it adds excitement to the competition and he enjoys the battle when they face each other.
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Travis Head said on Star Sports, “Who am I most excited about or angry about? I think a lot of people would say Virat Kohli because of how good he is. He is always scoring runs against Australia. His high energy and high intensity in the game is amazing. He is always with you. He is always in your face. I also want to be good and relaxed.”
So, if I have someone slip checking or coming through all the time, that’s good, but hopefully I’m batting so long in the innings that I get bothered by it, but it’s always a good battle. Yes, I have played against Virat a lot. “I’ve always been great at sports.”
“It’s always great to play against Virat.”#michaelstark And #TravisHead Look #ViratKohli Not just as a tough competitor, but as a truly great cricketer!#AUSvIND 1st ODI Sunday, October 19, 8PM, on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/pxghFLHIVv
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) 10 October 2025
Mitchell Starc says Virat Kohli is a tough and exciting opponent
Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc also praised Virat Kohli and said that playing against the former Indian captain has always been special. The aggressive Australian fast bowler pointed out that Kohli always enjoys playing against Australia and is always motivated to score against their bowling attack, which makes every contest challenging and exciting.
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“I’ve played against Australia a lot. It’s always great to play against Virat and play some of those games. He’s played for a long time. He’s been so successful for a long time,” Mitchell Starc said on Star Sports.
He has held the middle order for a long time, so his record speaks for itself. But he is a player against whom our bowling attack wants to go and perform well. He is someone who loves playing against Australia and scoring runs against Australia.”
Virat Kohli’s ODI record in Australia
Notably, Kohli is all set to make a comeback in India with the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia starting from October 19 in Perth.
He has been a powerhouse for India. He has scored 2451 runs in 50 ODI matches at an excellent average of 54.46.
This powerful right-handed batsman has scored these runs at an excellent strike rate of 93.69. He has also scored 8 centuries and 15 half-centuries so far on Australian soil in ODIs, proving his ability to dominate conditions and consistently trouble their renowned bowling attack.
Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Starc in ODI
Kohli, on the other hand, has a strong record against Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc across all formats. Facing 693 balls against Starc, the Indian batsman has scored 540 runs and has been out only 7 times, showing remarkable consistency.
During these matches, the Delhi player has hit 61 fours and 9 sixes, which proves Starc’s pace and his ability to handle swing. Well, Kohli has been particularly effective against Starc in ODIs. He has scored 156 runs in 155 balls, while getting out only once, giving him an extraordinary average of 156.
The former Indian captain’s strike rate of 100.6 highlights his aggressive approach, which included 11 fours and 4 sixes, indicating that Starc has struggled to control the Indian batting superstar.
