Last Updated on 5 days by Charbel Coorey
India currently lead the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-0. Their comprehensive victory in Perth meant that the visitors started the highly-anticipated series on a positive note. In the meanwhile, Australia have a lot of thinking to do if they are to make a comeback in the series.
One of the biggest positives for the Indian team was Virat Kohli getting back into his groove. His century in the first Test came as a huge sigh of relief for his fans as the batting maestro wasn’t in the best of form prior to the start of this series. On the other hand, Australia’s star batter Steve Smith is yet to overcome his lean patch. He hasn’t been at his best in the last 10-12 months, and failed to make a mark in the first of the five-match Test series as well.
During an exclusive interview with Arvind Kalyana Krishnan, Harsha Bhogle spoke about the two legendary batters. The commentator gave his thoughts on Kohli and Smith while drawing light on their respective legacies. It is to be noted that Bhogle is not only considered to be the voice of Indian cricket, but is also widely regarded as one of the greatest commentators in the history of the game.
While speaking to Arvind Kalyana Krishnan, Harsha Bhogle was hopeful of Kohli having a good series overall. Further on, he also stated that if Smith gets going, it’s going to be tough for India. Lastly, the veteran journalist also had a very important piece of advice for budding sports journalists. Bhogle had an insightful message for people who wanted to make a career in cricket-based journalism.
Harsha Bhogle interview: Good things happen to Virat Kohli in Australia
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: So Melbourne, I mean a place where not only the Indian team, but even you have fond memories as a broadcaster. Your iconic commentary of Virat Kohli’s shot is still talked about. So as far as Virat Kohli’s form is concerned in Australia, a place where he’s played before. I mean overall by the end of the series, what do you think will happen with his performance?
Harsha Bhogle: Look I have no idea. He’s a legend. He’s done everything there’s to be done in the game so far. Whenever he comes to Australia, good things happen to him. So I’m hoping good things happen to him because If he’s batting well, cricket is a beautiful sport to watch.
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: Absolutely! And like Virat Kohli, Australia have Steve Smith. His form in the longest format and in international cricket hasn’t been up to his standards. Anything about that?
Harsha Bhogle: India would have loved Steve Smith to be opening the batting (smiles)…..Because it just gives you that little opportunity. At number four, he’s one of the greatest that’s played the game, and you have to accept that. I mean in this poor run of form, his average has come down to 57 which is something most people would kill for when they retire. That’s how good a player he is. If he gets going, it’s gonna be tough.
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: And my last question to you isn’t about cricketers, but about sports journalists. So as a veteran in your field, what message would you want to give to budding sports journalists who want to do something in cricket?
Harsha Bhogle: Yeah, love the game with no expectations of returns. Love the game, love the language, and never fall out of love with the game. Because when you’re in love with the game the words will flow. When you’re in love with the game you’ll search for every little thing that increases the interest. Never fall out in love with the game because the moment you do it shows in your work.
