Having dismissed Virat Kohli seven times in Test cricket, Australia‘s leading off-spinner Nathan Lyon recently opened up about how the crowd reacts when he dismisses him.
Lyon compared the reaction from fans to his dismissal of Kohli to his dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar in 2013. He said it felt like he had committed a crime with how silent the crowd became.
What Nathan Lyon had to say about getting big wickets like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar in an interview:
“When you come up against Virat Kohli, you feel the nation is against you. If you succeed and get him out or create a chance, you quickly become the most hated cricketer in the world. I bowled to Sachin Tendulkar a few years ago and had some experience on that front.”
Nathan Lyon Pays Tribute To His ‘Pleasure’ Of Playing Against Virat Kohli
Nathan Lyon has had some success against Kohli, but the former India captain has also sometimes dominated the off-spinner. Lyon spoke about Kohli’s never-say-die attitude, which brings out more competitiveness when they face one another.
“Virat has probably been one of the best players in the world for a long time, for he consistently performs at a high level. It’s been a privilege to play against him and compete. “I’ve always said I wanted to compete against the best players in the world, and Virat has probably provided me with the best challenge.”
It is clear that Nathan Lyon holds Virat Kohli in high regard and sees the Indian Cricketer as one of the best in the world. Lyon respects Kohli’s competitive nature and enjoys the challenge of competing against him. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that the rivalry between Lyon and Kohli will continue to be interesting.
