West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara expressed his displeasure with the criticism aimed at Virat Kohli following India's loss to Australia in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad.
In a strong message, Lara slammed the critics for doubting Kohli's impact, particularly those who downplayed the star batter’s performance because India didn't win the World Cup.
Despite being the top scorer in the World Cup 2023 with a remarkable 765 runs at an average of 95.62, including six fifties and three centuries, and a record 50th ODI ton, Kohli couldn't help the Men in Blue to claim their third ODI World Cup trophy as they fell short in the final against Australia.
Brian Lara urged critics to look at the bigger picture, emphasizing Kohli's legacy, his ability to inspire the younger generation even at 35, and his achievements at the highest level.
Lara said at the Tiger Pataudi Memorial Lecture – an initiative by The Bengal Club and The Telegraph: “This (ODI) World Cup was a joy to watch. First of all, for Virat Kohli... I know a lot of people will say or have already said that (Kohli’s performance) does not matter as India did not win the World Cup. Team sport is about winning and you, as an individual player, have to have that as your No.1 target.”
He added, “But a subsidiary of team success is individual success, and that is what Kohli has given India match after match throughout the World Cup. Now, that did not impress me because the man is capable of much more. (But) what impresses me most about Kohli is his true legacy... For, he has changed the face of cricket and how you prepare for the game. The discipline that he has stands out, always."
Lara pointed out in jest that while he would have loved to see Kohli idolise him, Virat opted for Tendulkar as his role model worked out pretty well in the end.
Lara signed off by saying, “ Being the superstar that he is and the legacy that I feel he can leave, Kohli woke up one day, turned on the television and there was a left-hander on the screen facing the English bowling (referring to himself).
But as in India, there are 100-odd channels and he came across a right-hander masterly putting together an innings. And Kohli looked to the mirror and said, 'Left-hand batting isn't for me. See that man on the screen there. That is the footsteps I look to follow in.' Who's that man? Sachin Tendulkar.”
(With Hindustan Times Inputs)
