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'I'd Love Kohli To Score A Duck': Ex Aussie Skipper Jibe Sets Stage For Epic IND Vs AUS Game

image-lnh4i7iaVirat Kohli has a stellar record against the Aussies (AP Photo)

As the cricketing world gears up for the high-voltage India-Australia clash in World Cup 2023, former Australian captain Michael Clarke has light-heartedly stoked the embers with a cheeky wish for Indian stalwart, Virat Kohli.


Michael Clarke sparks buzz ahead of India-Australia face-off

In a candid chat with renowned cricket analyst Boria Majumdar on 'Backstage with Boria', Clarke humorously remarked, "Yeah, I’d like him [Virat Kohli] to get a duck in the first game. Then, he can make 100 every game after that until he plays Australia in the final and gets another duck."

This light-hearted banter sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling contest on Sunday.

The backdrop to this jestful remark lies in the recently concluded three-match ODI series in India, where the home team emerged triumphant 2-1. Kohli, having been rested for the first two fixtures, made a return in the final game in Rajkot. Despite his valiant half-century, India couldn’t clinch a win.



But it wasn't all fun and games for Clarke. He quickly shifted gears to laud Kohli, extolling his virtues as a one-day batsman.

"He’s a genius. He’s class, he’s back to his best. He was always going to be back to his best. I think anybody that wrote him off is very silly," Clarke emphatically declared. Lauding Kohli as a "once-in-a-lifetime player in one-day cricket", Clarke's admiration was evident.

Clarke further drew awing attention to Kohli's unmatched ability to chase totals and stated how it wouldn't come as a surprise to him of the Indian veteran has a prolific tournament.

"He knows the conditions. He knows how to chase a total better than any player in this format ever did before him. So, again, I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a stellar World Cup," concluded Clarke.

Given Kohli's staggering ODI stats – 13,083 runs from 281 matches at an average of 57.38 and a strike rate of 93.78, including 47 centuries and 66 half-centuries – Clarke's praises and jests are well-founded. The cricket fraternity will keenly watch as Kohli, with his exceptional record, squares off against the Aussies in what is expected to be one of the marquee clashes of the tournament.