Virat Kohli's Fierce Rivalry with Australia: A Look Back

Virat Kohli's rivalry with Australia has been marked by intense competition and memorable performances. This article delves into key moments, including his confrontations with Mitchell Johnson during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Former coach Ravi Shastri shares insights on how he had to keep Kohli focused amidst the heat of battle. Kohli's remarkable achievements during this series, including his impressive run tally and centuries, are also highlighted, showcasing his evolution into one of cricket's most formidable players. Explore the dynamics of Kohli's relationship with Australian cricket and how it has shaped his career.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2026, 14:08 IST

Kohli's Competitive Spirit Against Australia

Virat Kohli, the iconic Indian cricketer, has always showcased a fierce competitive nature in his encounters with Australia. Known for his ability to thrive under pressure, Kohli has consistently delivered impressive performances, especially in challenging Australian conditions. His willingness to embrace conflict has often fueled his batting prowess, whether it was during a recent verbal exchange with Travis Head in the IPL or his memorable battles in Test matches against Australia. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri revealed that he once had to step in during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to keep Kohli focused during a heated contest with Mitchell Johnson.

Shastri Reflects on Kohli's Confrontation with Johnson

Shastri On Virat Kohli's Feud With Mitchell Johnson

In a podcast featuring Kohli for his lifestyle brand One8, Shastri recounted a memorable incident from the Melbourne Test of that famous series. He described how Kohli and Johnson were engaged in a heated exchange after Johnson struck Kohli on the helmet early in the innings. Shastri recalled, “Never… no once, once. I’ll tell you about it. This was Melbourne, right. And he and Mitch were constantly having a go, because first ball he played he hit him on the head.”

As Kohli entered the dressing room, he was visibly focused on Johnson, prompting Shastri to intervene and remind him to concentrate on his batting. “I had to catch him like this, come here, come here, focus on your batting. I think of those days and sometimes your hair stands,” Shastri added.

The Border-Gavaskar series ultimately became one of Kohli's most significant Test tours. Despite Australia winning the series, Kohli's emergence as a leading batsman and a future captain for India was evident. He scored an impressive 692 runs at an average of 86.50 across four Tests, including four centuries, with a highest score of 169. This tour solidified Kohli's intense relationship with Australian cricket, where the challenging atmosphere often brought out his best performances.