ENG v IND 2018: Farokh Engineer feels Virat Kohli will go beyond Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar's batting legacy

Virat is currently in top form and scoring runs all around the world.

Virat Kohli | GETTY

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is growing day-by-day and former Indian wicket-keeper Farokh Engineer is confident that he would go on to leave the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar behind. 

"I see him (Kohli) going all the way. I see him (as) one of the greatest batsmen India has produced. In every generation, there is someone. There was a (Sachin) Tendulkar or a (Sunil) Gavaskar. And this is Kohli's era. And he (Kohli) has all the penitential to be the greatest. He has got the potential to be greater than Sachin and Sunil," Engineer told reporters on Wednesday. "But let's not call him now, let him get to that milestone, break those records and then we will call him that," he added. 

Kohli's storming performance in the Test series against England has left his critics open-mouthed. His past now has no space for discussion as the 29-year-old has added two hundred in just three matches this time, unlike his last tour to England when 39 was his highest score.

"Look at Virat Kohli. He had a miserable tour of England last time he played there (in 2014). And his confidence was really low. But Virat is such a fighter and he said to himself - I am the finest batsman in the world and let me prove it. Not only on Indian or Caribbean wickets, I am going to get runs in England too," said Engineer.

"And my word, he has batted so well. And he set a great standard for the team, (saying) 'if I can do it, you all can do it," he added.

Kohli has not been dismissed by the English fast bowler James Anderson till now in this series. He has been lucky few times against him, but overall Virat did a good job to avoid gifting his wicket.

"It has impressed me immensely because the way Virat has converted those unplayable balls into playable ones. The way our boys played at Trent Bridge (in the third Test), I am proud of them and Virat Kohli set a wonderful example there," he said.

Engineer, along with former India wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani, lauded the youngster Rishabh Pant who made his Test debut in third Third between England and India at Trent Bridge.

"He (Pant) showed immense promise and his reflexes are very, very good, especially the catch he took behind the ball moving. That itself tells you how much the ball moves in England, both in the air and off the pitch," said Engineer.

Pant's work behind the stumps reminded Engineer of his younger days. "(MS) Dhoni reminded me of my younger days. Rishabh Pant also reminded me of my younger days too. Pant has a very very bright future," the 80-year-old Engineer told reporters.

"He (Pant) is a very talented player and I have seen him playing IPL. But playing IPL on our wickets and playing Test cricket in England are two different things, so he will have to adapt himself. He will do well and he has got the talent for it," added Engineer.

Agreeing with Engineer, the national squad, Syed Kirmani also sees Pant as a long-term player.

"He (Pant) is a talented player and he has been picked to play for India at the right time. And his confidence and approach are magnificent. He has a lot of talent and also in Prithvi Shaw (picked as an opener for the last two Tests).

"I feel Rishabh Pant is a player for the long run," said 68-year-old.

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 30 Aug, 2018

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