Michael Clarke backs Kohli and Rohit to come good against Australia

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has backed a fresh Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to come good in the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, starting November 22. Clarke believes that the Indian team was mentally fatigued during the Tests against New Zealand at home, which is perhaps why they were whitewashed.

Kohli and Rohit had a forgettable outing against the Blackcaps. While Rohit scored 91 runs at 15.16 in six innings, Kohli managed just 105 runs at 15.50 as India succumbed to their first series defeat at home in 12 years.

"Take nothing away from New Zealand, but It tells me India are so fatigued. Some of their shot selection, the use of bowlers, and even Rohit to come out and say he wasn't at his best - just Think it was mental fatigue. They've played so much cricket without a break, but it'll be a little kick up the backside for them," Clarke said in Around the Wicket Podcast.

Though Rohit is yet to prove himself in Test cricket in Australia, Kohli averages 54.08 in the country in 13 Tests - the best for him in any country away from home. 

"They know they've played well out here in Australia, and they'll still come here with plenty of talent and that self-belief, but hopefully fresh. That's the key for the Indian players. Virat Kohli - you can't be that good for such a long period of time and just turn the tap off. So once he freshens up, and Rohit Sharma the same, you'll see the best of them," Clarke, who was the last Australian captain to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy back in 2015, said.

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