Virat Kohli and Australian spinner Nathan Lyon have engaged in some memorable duels over the years. Having defeated Kohli seven times, Lyon has had a great deal of success against the Indian batsmen.
In reality, it was the rookie Todd Murphy who grabbed Kohli's wicket in the first Test at Nagpur, not Lyon, who similarly failed to make an impression as he was put through the ringer.
The Australian spinner discussed the parallels between obtaining Virat's and Sachin Tendulkar's wickets in a recent interview with Star Sports.
Lyon explained how, if a bowler dismisses a player like Kohli or Sachin, they often become the “most despised” person in the arena.
“Going up against Virat Kohli makes you feel like the whole country is against you. You fast become the most despised cricketer in the whole world if you have any success and eliminate Virat or create a possibility. I've got some expertise in that area, having bowled to Sachin Tendulkar in the past “said Lyon.
Lyon recalls the experience of going up against Sachin in 2013 very well, and despite having the upper hand over Kohli, he appreciates the “challenge” that Virat presents.
“Virat has likely been among the finest cricket players in the world for a long time because of his consistent high caliber of performance. Playing against him and competing against him has been a pleasure. I've always proclaimed my desire to compete against the greatest in the world, and Virat has likely given me the biggest test yet “the 35-year-old stated.
When they get onto the pitch in the second Test in Delhi from February 17–21, Lyon and Virat will both be hoping to get back to their previous levels of performance.
In the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023, Team India presently leads Australia 1-0 after winning the first Test by an easy margin of an innings and 132 runs.
