Amid Poor Form, Australia World Cup Winner Predicts Virat Kohli Revival In Champions Trophy

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has heaped praise on Sam Konstas for his electrifying debut in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series while also voicing his support for Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Konstas, the 19-year-old, took the cricketing world by storm with his audacious display in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Konstas smashed a quickfire 60 off 65 balls on the opening day, showcasing unconventional shots like scoops against India's ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

However, his fiery demeanour wasn't restricted to the bat as he clashed with Kohli during a heated exchange, that attracted a fine for the latter for a shoulder barge.

Watson, who has mentored Konstas, admitted that the youngster's aggressive approach and extroverted personality caught him off guard.

“Sam is usually quiet and reserved, a deep thinker. But what we saw on the field was a completely different side to him. He's a natural showman who thrives on the big stage. He wasn't overawed by the occasion and showed remarkable confidence,” Watson said during the ICC Champions Trophy Tour event.

Konstas' boundary antics and under-the-helmet banter also got under the skin of Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, further solidifying his role as a disruptor.

The Australian camp is now preparing for Konstas' maiden appearance at his home ground, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where he will become the youngest Australian to feature in a Test at the venue. The challenge ahead will also include two Tests in Sri Lanka under vastly different conditions.

“The second innings at Melbourne showed that teams are already adjusting to Sam's game. India changed their field