As Virat Kohli’s struggle with the bat continues in the international arena, former England captain and commentator Michael Atherton hopes that the dashing right-hander can rediscover his best form soon.
The former Indian skipper was dismissed for just 11 when Team India needed him to score runs after a top-order collapse in the ongoing rescheduled fifth and final Test against England in Birmingham.
However, Rishabh Pant (146) and Ravindra Jadeja (104) brought India out of danger and helped the touring side post 416 runs in the first innings against England on day two on Saturday (July 2).
Speaking before the start of the play in Birmingham, Atherton wished India head coach Rahul Dravid well as it was his maiden England tour as a coach and opened up about Kohli’s great legacy.
Michael Atherton said on Sony Sports Network: “I know Rahul Dravid a bit better than Virat Kohli. It was nice to chat with them both, Rahul I played against and I have very high regard for him. I wish him well as the coach of the Indian team.”
He added, “I hope Virat, after a couple of difficult years with the bat, can rediscover his best form. I am a big admirer of his cricket, his batting and the way he is driven the Indian Test team forward as the captain and the way he has promoted Test cricket as well, I think that will be his great legacy.”
Notably, Kohli has always spoken highly of Test cricket and is one of the great advocates of this format. He had led India in 68 Tests, winning 40 and losing 17.