Warne also requested Kohli to keep playing Test cricket for the longer life of the traditional format.
Australian spin legend Shane Warne showered rich praise on Indian captain Virat Kohli for prioritizing Test cricket and called him the biggest superstar on the planet, after he led his team to yet another remarkable victory in the fourth Test against England at The Oval on Monday (September 6).
Warne believed that the dashing cricketer’s passion and love for Test cricket have infused new life into the format amidst the concerns over its future in the modern era where the T20 format and many other franchise leagues attract the youngsters more and dominate all over the world.
Speaking on Sky Sports during the post-match show, Warne said: “I think we have all got to say 'Thank you Virat!' He loves Test cricket and has made it his priority. India is the powerhouse of world cricket and you've got the biggest superstar on the planet in Virat Kohli saying that Test cricket is important. Long live Test cricket while we have Virat Kohli playing. Please play for a long long time, Virat!”
He continued, “He’s saying, we’re going to Australia and win and we’re going to England and win.”That means we have won in India where the ball spins, the fast, bouncy pitches in Australia, and the seaming swinging pitches in England, and we can do it with this side.”
The legendary leg-spinner also said Kohli has got the respect and backing of all his players, which is a hallmark of a great leader while saying the 32-year-old infused the unrelenting belief that he had in him in his team that they can do anything and everywhere on the field.
Warne noted, “They (Indian team) look up to him (Virat Kohli). He has got the respect of all the players. They back him and they play for him. It's important as a captain that your team play for you.”
He signed off by saying, “The way he has led the side, he has made them believe. Belief is such an important part of the sport. If you don't believe, it doesn't matter how good a side you have, if you don't believe that you can do it, and Virat Kohli gives them the belief.”