Shastri Says ‘Kohli And Smith Have Slipped Down The Ranks… They’ll Be Dangerous Because They’re Hungry’ – News18

Last Updated:December 24, 2024, 20:41 IST

Ravi Shastri emphasised the resilience and hunger that still make Virat Kohli and Steve Smith dangerous opponents despite their recent form.

Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri opened up on the recent form of the Fab Four – Kane Williamson, Joe Root, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli – recognising what they bring to the table in Test cricket.

Shastri discussed the current state of the quartet and spoke in depth on Kohli and Smith in particular and the ongoing struggles the experienced duo are facing.

While Root and Williamson have enjoyed a purple patch in 2024 – smashing six and four Test hundreds respectively – Kohli and Smith have just one each – both coming in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“I think they (Kohli and Smith) will have slipped down the ranks on current form because you know you’ve got the likes of Root taking off, there’s Williamson doing well, Harry Brook has come onto the scene, you know there are a lot of other young players pushing but these are class players,” Shastri was quoted as saying on The ICC Review.

“In a situation like this, you know they’ll be dangerous because they’ll be hungry,” he added.

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On the other hand, Kohli and Smith have faced challenges this year, finding themselves outscored by emerging talents like Harry Brook. However, both experienced campaigners have shown flashes of brilliance, reminding the cricketing world why they remain among the best.

Shastri highlighted Smith’s resilience, referring to his determined innings at the Gabba against India, where the Australian maestro scored his 33rd Test century.

“What’s needed you saw from Smith. It might have been a struggle early on but he was prepared to play the waiting game and be disciplined,” Shastri noted.

Shastri remains confident that Kohli, too, has the ability to regain his peak form. According to Shastri, Kohli’s form isn’t the issue; instead, it’s about surviving the critical early phase of his innings.

“I think the same with Virat,” Shastri added. “If Virat gets over that first 30, 40 minutes, with serious application and discipline, I don’t think he’s (out of form), none of these guys are out of form.”

For Shastri, what separates great players from the rest is their hunger to succeed even during lean patches. He believes both Kohli and Smith possess the mental toughness to weather tough spells and return to dominating the game.

(With inputs from Agencies)