AUS vs IND 2025: 'Easier to watch on television' – Virat Kohli on going through hostile atmosphere in Australia

Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has talked about how he viewed the India-Australia rivalry and his child and the reason behind him relishing challenges against the Aussies irrespective of the format. Kohli has consistently been a menace to Australia all through his professional career.

Kohli recounted how he used to get motivated by the Australian conditions of the past, as well as how the players would always turn up in their aggressive selves against the Indians. He also named the players which made him look up to Indian cricket.

"Growing up, watching cricket as a kid when we used wake up early and watch Test cricket in Australia, you can see the ball flying of the pitch and the opposition in your face, and I used to feel, 'Wow, if I will able to step up in these conditions and against this opposition, that's something I could be proud of as a cricketer'. That's the motivation for me watching all the greats of our game from either side. Guys like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, even Virender Sehwag; guys who I really looked up to," stated Kohli while speaking to Fox Cricket.

Kohli admitted that the adamant and assertive behaviour from the Australian bunch inspired him to treat them with the same ferocity once he got to the international level. He expressed gratitude for all the situations which have come upon him while playing in Australia for making him into a stronger person overall.

"Even the Australian setup, how they played their cricket and how they were in your face all the time, intimidating and taking the game on, that was something that really inspired me to come here and do the same. Early on, I found it was easier to watch on television than be part of that hostile environment, but I am really grateful to all those times because that shaped me as a cricketer and as a person as well. That really tests your mental strength and resilience because once you start copping it from the crowd you can't escape, you got to come back everyday," he added.

The 36-year-old also spoke on how he has enjoyed spending time with his family members after retiring from Test cricket (in May earlier this year). The star batter conceded that he has been enjoying taking time off cricket. 

"It's been a long time off for me since I retired from Test cricket. I was just catching up on life. I haven't been able to do anything, I don't know for how many years, just been able to spend some quality time with kids, with family at home. It's been a beautiful phase and something that I really enjoyed," commented Kohli.

Kohli's return to international cricket was not a pleasant one. He registered an eight-ball duck for India after they were sent in to bat first by the Mitchell Marsh-led unit in the first ODI of the three-match series.