‘Virat’s back!’: Clarke lauds Kohli but questions Australia’s approach

India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli returned to form with a stunning unbeaten 100 in the second innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) opener, propelling India to a massive 295-run victory over Australia in Perth. This marked Kohli's 30th Test hundred and 81st overall, reaffirming his status as one of the greatest batters of all time.

Kohli’s knock came after a rare failure in the first innings, where he was dismissed for just five runs. However, in the second innings, he displayed his vintage best, scoring a measured 100 off 143 balls. His ton places him among the legends, as Kohli now has seven Test centuries in Australia, equaling Sunil Gavaskar's record for the most away tons in a single country by an Indian.

While Kohli’s heroics were celebrated, former Australian skipper Michael Clarke criticized Australia’s strategy in handling the Indian talisman. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Clarke remarked that allowing Kohli to get into rhythm in the very first match of the series was a significant misstep. "You don’t want the best players in the world to find form early in the series. Letting Kohli score in the first Test gives him the confidence and strut that makes him so dangerous," Clarke noted.

Clarke praised Kohli’s technical and mental approach, stating, "Kohli did the hard work early, then earned the right to play his natural game. By the end of his innings, it was clear to everyone – Virat is back."

The Australian legend highlighted the challenge ahead for his countrymen, as Kohli’s form will only make the remaining matches tougher for the visitors. He stressed that restricting Kohli’s influence would now require Australia to "work their backside off."

With this ton, Kohli also equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s record of nine Test centuries against Australia, ranking joint-third among Indian players with the most tons against a single opponent. Gavaskar leads the list with 13 tons against the West Indies.

As the series progresses, Kohli’s resurgence has set the stage for an intense battle, while Australia must reassess its strategy to contain India’s batting juggernaut.