Australian Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Tim Watts praised Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli. He admired the star batter’s skill and sportsmanship. At a meet-and-greet at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra, Watts praised Kohli. She called him a cricketer who “plays like an Australian.””
Virat Kohli’s Unwavering Popularity in Australia
Virat Kohli is a fan favorite in Australia. His amazing performances on Australian soil made him popular. Kohli has, over the years, become one of the greatest visiting batters. He has scored seven Test centuries Down Under. His fierce competitiveness and love for the game earned him respect, even from rival fans.
The Indian team is in Canberra for a two-day, pink-ball warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI. This is ahead of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The players, including Kohli, were invited to the Australian Parliament House. There, they met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other ministers.
Tim Watts: “I Support RCB Because of Virat Kohli”
“A bit of a thrill to meet the Australian and Indian players in the PM’s XI game at Parliament House tonight. I told @virat.kohli that I support @royalchallengers.bengaluru in the @iplt20 because it’s the only opportunity I get to legitimately barrack for him. I give him the highest praise I can offer any international cricketer when I say that I’ve loved watching him play because he plays like an Australian. Just not when he’s playing AGAINST Australia, of course,’ he wrote.
In #Bengaluru we’re big fans of @imVkohli too – though we also prefer him scoring centuries for @RCBTweets than for #TeamIndia against @CricketAus! Great to see 🇦🇺 Assistant Foreign Minister @TimWattsMP meet up with the King in #Canberra. @BCCI #AUSvIND https://t.co/CpsGCUxEHI
— Aus Consulate Bengaluru (@AusCGBengaluru) November 29, 2024
Kohli’s Heroics in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Kohli’s form has been sensational during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium, Kohli scored a century in the second innings. His effort helped India win by 295 runs.
As the series progresses, Kohli remains vital for Team India. His impact, on and off the field, strengthens his cricketing legacy.
Why This Matters
The Australian Assistant Minister’s comments show Virat Kohli’s global appeal. His performance and charisma make him a player who transcends borders. An Australian official’s recognition shows the respect between cricketing nations, especially India and Australia. They admire each other, despite fierce rivalries.
