Faf du Plessis says Aussies would be wise to give Kohli the silent treatment

Faf du Plessis is no friend of Australian cricket, but the South African captain has given some free advice on how the Aussies should handle Indian master Virat Kohli.

(L-R) South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has some tips for how to subdue India's captain Virat Kohli.

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South African captain Faf du Plessis has warned Australia about becoming too nice – but accepts silence could be golden against Indian master Virat Kohli.

Du Plessis has noted Australia has toned down its verbal aggression in the wake of the cultural meltdown that followed the ball tampering affair in South Africa.

That could end up being a bonus as they try and plot a way to undermine the great Kohli this summer.

(L-R) South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has some tips for how to subdue India's captain Virat Kohli.

“He wants to get into the fight,’’ du Plessis said of Kohli who will lead India into a four-Test series against Australia from December 6 in Adelaide.

“Better just not say too much to him to get him going. He is an amazing player. We gave him the silent treatment (in South Africa this year) and he still scored runs (286 at 47) but they were not huge runs.’’

Du Plessis had noted Australia are not as aggressive as they were in recent times in the field.

“There is a definite difference. Australia was the hardest team to play against because of the fierceness in the way they played.

Indian captain Virat Kohli (L) chirps at Australian batsman Matthew Renshaw during a Test in 2017. Picture: AFP PHOTO

“Every series in South Africa has been like that. That first Test in Durban was a feisty one. Even now you sense they are trying to minimise it and let the cricket do the talking. That is where the game is moving anyway.

“Chirping and swearing have been really toned down. They are trying to build up a new culture. I always believe you should never take away your uniqueness or your strength.

“If that strength is to be in guys’ faces you must use that. Obviously there are laws now and you cannot cross that line.

“If you are a personality that requires that to get the best out of yourself and do the best by the team by all means do that within the boundaries but don’t become someone that you are not.’’

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