Virat Kohli insulted, discarded in importance by Josh Hazlewood

As Australia prepares for their high-stakes Test series against India, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has insisted that their focus will not solely be on Virat Kohli in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, starting on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Hazlewood emphasized that India’s squad is brimming with exceptional talent, and they have the biggest challenge to deal with the entire batting lineup, especially the top six, not just Virat Kohli. The Australian pacer said that Virat Kohli is a world-class batter and would be hungry for the runs.

Josh Hazlewood says India’s entire batting lineup is a threat, not just Virat Kohli

He further noted that Virat Kohli is the best batter across the formats, and the former Indian captain has an amazing record in Australia, but still, Virat Kohli is not their prime target, focusing on the top six batters in the upcoming five-match Test series, as the batter’s recent form was alarming.

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With India's deep pool of batting talent, Josh Hazlewood acknowledged the constant pressure on players to perform, saying the Indian cricket team’s relentless depth makes them formidable in any match. Hazlewood is really aware of the caliber of Indian players, saying that regardless of who is selected in the playing XI for the Perth Test, they are "unbelievable players."

Josh Hazlewood said at the press conference, “There are always young, fresh guys coming into the Indian team. They're under so much pressure to perform in the Indian team with so many guys nipping at their heels all the time. So, whoever they pick in that 11, they're unbelievable players. So, yeah, it doesn't really matter who they pick. They're all great players.”

Hazlewood firmly believes that any disruption in the top six will have an impact, but the real concern for Australia is the overall strength and depth in the Indian squad, not just Virat Kohli.

The amount of talent in the Indian squad is quite unbelievable: Josh Hazlewood

The Aussie pacer highlighted the unique challenge that India poses, describing their talent pool as superior to any other cricketing nation ahead of the much-awaited Test series opener in Perth.

With the spotlight on a fresh batch of young Indians in Australia, Hazlewood emphasized that every player in the Indian playing XI has "earned their stripes" and will be ready to perform, regardless of the conditions, and they are ready for the fiercely competitive Test series.

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Hazlewood further explained, “I mean, any time you disrupt the top six, it's a bit of an issue. But I think, as I said before, the amount of talent in the Indian squad is quite unbelievable. The depth is phenomenal, better than any other country in the world, really. So, whoever comes in has earned their stripes and no doubt will do well.

I bowled to them the last few days, and for a number of years now, they're pretty good players with pretty good records. So, yeah, I know they'll find a way, for sure, on whatever conditions we get thrown up.”

Australians not discussed India’s whitewash against New Zealand

The Australian pacer also revealed that the hosts have not discussed India’s whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in their three-match Test series at home. Hazlewood stressed that the professional players can put those losses on the back burner pretty quickly these days and learn from it.

He further noted that the Indian players will be a little bit relaxed and enjoy their freedom, saying they will be hungry and ready for a fresh start in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

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