Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden heaped praise on Virat Kohli for being an inspiration for many, as he is in line to surpass batting legend Sachin Tendulkar's record at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
The former World Cup winner said that Kohli is the epitome of budding cricketers across the globe. He also mentioned that Kohli is different from a lot of modern cricketers with his simple plan of relying on stroke play rather than power, as he was hailing his 88-run knock against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium.
Notably, Kohli recently missed out on centuries on two occasions against New Zealand (95) and Sri Lanka (88) in the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023. If he had completed those tons, he would have broken Tendulkar’s record of most hundreds in ODI cricket. Kohli has 48 tons to his name.
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Matthew Hayden was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “He epitomises for young kids watching the game and those playing on the streets in India. What is great about him in the way he holds his shape, trusts his abilities and doesn't overhit the ball. Modern players always seem to favour power over their ability just to be able to strike the ball.”
He added, “And Wankhede is a relatively tricky wicket to bat on, but once you get in, you can never get out, but it kind of requires a special skill to think through the innings as well. Kohli understood his role that he just needs to get through the powerplay and continue with just good strokeplay.”
The Aussie legend also urged world cricket to savour these moments in Kohli's career and not just focus on the record of Tendulkar, as he is at the backend of his illustrious career.
Hayden signed off by saying, “It is a masterclass watching Kohli and such a treat...we shouldn't take this period of Kohli's career for granted because in a blink of an eye, like we discuss about Tendulkar, he will be gone. So, it is a great moment to keep savouring Virat Kohli at his absolute peak.”
(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)
