He went missing in CWC semis: Mitchell Johnson might have retired but he doesn't want to leave Kohli alone

Blockbuster. That’s what India’s encounters against Australia have amounted to in recent times. It’s not just the contest played with bat and ball that has intensified, but India have been able to match the Aussies in terms of the off-field banter as well. India take on Australia in Mohali on Sunday with the winner going through to the semi-finals of the 2016 ICC World T20 at the loser’s expense. And like every other high-octane clash between these two cricketing giants, the pre-match build-up has seen the mind games begin. On Saturday, Cricket Australia posted a collection of quotes of Virat Kohli ahead of the game that spoke about how the sledging from Australia motivated the Indian test captain whenever he played against him.

'If anything, that motivates me more'

A warning for the Aussies? https://t.co/ZZQhnh9xrq #INDvAUS #WT20 pic.twitter.com/TM8HGs8eOK

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 26, 2016

However, the real banter was triggered by former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson who responded to cricket Australia’s tweet, reminding Virat Kohli and Indian cricket fans about the way Kohli failed to produce the goods in the 2015 World Cup semi-final against Australia which India lost.

  Mitchell Johnson did not stop there either. Asked about his five best batsman in the world, he tweeted this.

More from First Cricket News

Ahead of India-Pakistan clash, Asia Cup organisers reportedly forced to take drastic measure over slow ticket sales Hong Kong suffer second straight loss as Bangladesh begin Asia Cup campaign with seven-wicket win

Guess who’s name is conspicuous by its absence? Yes, Virat Kohli. While Kohli hasn’t responded to Mitchell Johnson’s tweet and may decide to do so on the pitch on Sunday, the Aussies have started playing their old tricks ahead of a massive encounter. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, however, Kohli didn’t shy away from any questions about the sledging that the Australians might thrown at him. “If I have to take a certain stance, that doesn’t necessarily put me off my game. If anything, that motivates me more,” Virat Kohli was quoted as saying. “It doesn’t mean if I don’t get into a debate with someone, I won’t be motivated to win the game for my team,” Virat Kohli said. All the pre-match banter will be put to rest if Kohli guides India to the semi-finals on Sunday, but with the Aussies facing a do-or-die scenario, expect more verbal exchanges to happen before the contest is settled on the field. James Faulkner vs Virat Kohli again, anyone?