Australia’s veteran spinner Nathan Lyon doesn’t want to make the mistake of writing off a champion batter like Virat Kohli. The former Indian batter isn’t in the best of forms in the recent past and he will be determined to turn a corner in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy against Australia.

Kohli scored only 93 runs in three Test matches against New Zealand at an average of 15.50 whereas he amassed 99 runs in two Test matches against Bangladesh at 33 and his form is going to hold the key for India.

However, Kohli has always savored success while playing against Australia. The right-hander has scored 2042 runs in 25 Test matches against the Aussies at an average of 47.48, including eight centuries. Kohli has even better numbers while playing on Australian soil as he has scored 1352 runs in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 54.08, including six centuries.

Nathan Lyon said while talking to reporters, “Look at his record out here. Overall, look at his record. You don’t write off champions. I’ve got nothing but respect for Virat. I want to get him out, there’s no point in hiding behind that, but it’s challenging. Him and Smithy (Steve Smith) are probably the best two batters in our last era of this last decade. It’s been pretty amazing competing against him for so many times.”

Meanwhile, India suffered a 0-3 Test series loss against New Zealand at home but Lyon doesn’t want Australia to be complacent against their arch-rivals. India had also won the last two Test series on Australian soil and they will want to replicate the same show.

“They’re dangerous all the time. They’re a side full of superstars. They’ve got so much experience, but talented youth as well and you can never write off that. I was fascinated by that series to New Zealand, but we’re expecting the best India that we’ve played against for a number of years now.”

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.