#IndiaInAustralia: This is what Mitchell Starc thinks about Virat Kohli
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has played alongside Indian skipper Virat Kohli for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). And the left-arm speedster stated, contrary to his image, the 30-year-old Kohli is a nice guy off the pitch. Notably, Kohli is known for his aggression and has been a part of verbal exchanges on many occasions.
Focus on Kohli ahead of intense series
Starc highlighted that despite Kohli having an intense personality on the field, he is completely different outside the 22-yard pitch. Kohli often plays games with his team-mates on the PlayStation. The focus is on the Indian skipper, who recently commented that he is expecting a sledge-free series against Australia. Kohli had also highlighted that being over-aggressive is a thing of the past.
Kohli loves to be a part of the boys: Starc
"I've got to see a bit off the field, where he's very different. He's a nice guy off the field, he's got time for everyone and just loves to be part of the boys, whether its playing FIFA or being around the team room."
Kohli was aggressive in the last India vs Australia series
Most of the Australians see Kohli as an aggressive player, especially with the Indian captain having a go at some of them in the previous series held in India. Moreover, with him being competitive on the field, Kohli has been at the center of several exchanges and send-offs. But Starc expects no ill feelings towards Kohli from the Aussies in this series.
'Aussie team-mates see Kohli only on the field'
"I got to know him a fair bit off the field and I think probably know him a bit better than some of my Australian team-mates. (They) obviously only see him on the cricket field. I don't get that feeling at all," said Starc.
This is what Kohli had stated on sledge-free contest
The 30-year-old Virat batted for sledge-free cricket when India and Australia lock horns in the 4-match Test series. He cited that India will depend on ability over aggression. "When it comes to getting engaged in an argument on the field, or in a fight as people want to call it excitedly, I have been completely OK playing without an altercation," said Kohli.
Kohli won't take his foot off the gas: Shastri
Indian coach Ravi Shastri had his opinion on Kohli. He said, "He (Kohli) won't take his foot off the gas that is for sure. He loves coming to Australia, he's passionate about his game and the pitches here suit his style of play."
