Veteran India batter Virat Kohli has impressed one and all with his stunning exploits in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at home.
In eight innings, the right-hander has amassed 543 runs at a remarkable average of 108.60 with two hundred and four half-centuries.
In India’s last match against South Africa at the Eden Gardens, Kohli played a gritty knock of 101 on a tough wicket and equalled the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 49 ODI tons.
With his brilliant display, Virat Kohli has also left a lasting impression on West Indies batting giant Sir Vivian Richards, who feels that the Indian star is a remarkable asset to the sport of cricket.
Speaking to ICC, Richards also praised Kohli for the way he came out of an extended lean phase, in which he didn’t score a century for almost three years.
"Virat is a go-getter and what sets him apart is his mental strength. He will have backed himself throughout, and on the occasions in the past in which I have chatted with him and we have discussed things, his mental strength has always been evident.
"That has been key to pushing him through to how he is playing now. Very few players, or people, are built like that," Richards said.
The Caribbean icon added, "Virat will have been through some tough times before this World Cup and some folks were even brave enough to call for his head.
"There have been a whole host of talented individuals on show but to top them all, you cannot look past Virat Kohli. I am a huge fan of Virat, I have been for a long time, and he continues to show why he has to go down as one of the all-time greats, right up there with the likes of the great Sachin."
Richards credited the support staff and the team management for backing Kohli during the challenging period.
"Credit must be given to the back room staff and everyone who backed him. So much was said about his form but he is back on top of his game. It is phenomenal to see an individual who has had his low points bouncing back and playing like this.
"They say form is temporary -- and he has certainly proven that class is permanent. He looks so focused and he is a credit to the game of cricket."
Over the last few years, people have compared Kohli with Richards and the West Indies legend reckons it's because of the intensity they brought onto the field.
"Many people have made comparisons between the two of us over the years, partly because of our shared intensity on the field.
"I love Virat's enthusiasm -- even if he is fielding at long-on or long-off, when one of his bowlers hits the pad, he is appealing. He is always in the game and I like individuals like that."
(With PTI Inputs)
