India Vs Australia Test: Virat Kohli wary of 'outstanding' Mitchell Starc

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Pune, Feb 22: Indian captain Virat Kohli today (February 22) praised Australian left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc ahead of the 1st Test between the sides here.

Ind-Aus series schedule, squads, TV info; Photos

On the eve of the 4-Test series opener in Pune, Kohli spoke about the threat Starc could pose to the home team. (1st Test preview)

Stating that Starc is a "world-class bowler", Kohli praised him for taking his game to the next level. (Am 'great friends' with Aussies: Kohli)

"He (Mitchell Starc) is a world-class bowler, we all know that. He's been hampered with injuries quite often but the way he's evolved as a bowler has been outstanding," Kohli told reporters on Wednesday.

He continued, "I've played with him in the IPL, I've faced him in my first 2 tours to Australia. From then to now it's a massive, massive change and the way he's learned the art of reverse swing and bowling with the old ball as well is quite amazing to see, the way he's developed his skills.

"That's something every cricketer in the world would admire. Like you admire world-class batsmen you admire world-class bowlers as well and you respect their skills, and Mitchell is one of them.

"He's really taken his game to the next level and that's why he's one of the top bowlers in world cricket. He deserves to be there because he's worked very hard for that and the results are evident."

Kohli captained Starc at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Indian Premier League (IPL). However, this year he won't be part of the side as he parted ways with the franchise on Sunday (February 19), one day before the players' auction.

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