Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has shed light on how the Australian bowlers are likely to approach Virat Kohli in the much-anticipated 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The five-match Test series between India and Australia is set to begin on November 22 in Perth. Manjrekar believes the Australian attack will focus on bowling outside Kohli’s off-stump, a strategy that has troubled the Indian batter in the past.

India enters the series after a disappointing whitewash at home against New Zealand, where Kohli managed only 93 runs in three Tests at an average of 15.50, with just one half-century.

According to Manjrekar, Kohli will be aware of Australia's plan to target him outside the off-stump. He expects the star batter to be prepared for these challenges. Speaking about Kohli’s recent technique, Manjrekar noted that the former Indian captain has been more selective with balls outside the off-stump and has occasionally attempted drives when the ball is pitched full.

"Virat knows exactly what's going to be planned. They'll obviously start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mood is. Generally, these days, he looks to leave balls outside the off-stump, and if they have anything that's pitched right up, he'll look to drive," Manjrekar explained.

Manjrekar further explained that the Australian bowlers might not only test Kohli's patience outside off but could also target his body. "Nowadays, they are also trying to cramp him for room and attack his body because he loves to get forward so much. So that is something New Zealand tried, which is very smart," Manjrekar added.

He also mentioned that Australia will employ different strategies to unsettle Kohli. "If Virat is so focused outside off, that typical one of landing a ball on the middle stump, which Josh Hazlewood would try, will come into play. All those methods will be tried by the Australians. And Virat Kohli is aware of that," Manjrekar concluded.