Former skipper Virat Kohli will be making his 100th appearance in the longest format when the Indian team will take the field in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Mohali on Friday (March 4).
Ahead of the match, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar heaped praise on Kohli, saying the latter’s real success has been the ability to inspire an entire generation of cricketers.
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“What a terrific achievement. I remember first time I heard about you was when we were in Australia in 2007-08,” Tendulkar told bcci.tv.
“You guys were playing U-19 WC in Malaysia and there were certain players in the team who were discussing about you, this is one player to watch out for, acchi batting kar leta hai. (he bats well).
“After that we played cricket together for India and not for long but whatever time we spent together, it was evident that you were keen on learning things. You kept working on your game and continued getting better.”
Widely regarded as one of the greatest batters of all time, Virat Kohli has amassed 7962 runs in 99 Tests at an average of 50.39 with 27 centuries and 28 fifties. He also led India in 68 Tests, registering 40 wins, 11 draws, and 17 losses.
Kohli has dominated the white-ball formats as well, aggregating 12311 runs at 58.07 with 43 hundreds in ODIs and 3296 runs at 51.50 in 97 T20Is.
“Its been fantastic to watch you over the years. Numbers will have their roles and but your real strength is being able to motivate the whole generation,” said Tendulkar, who himself has played 200 Tests for India.
“That’s been your real strength and your immense contribution to Indian cricket. That is something which I would say is your real success. Wish you many more happy cricketing years, go out and do well.”
Apart from his batting exploits, Kohli has also left a mark with his fitness regime.
“To grasp things quickly was your strength and it continued that way. In 2011, we were in Canberra, and I remember there was a Thai restaurant over there and we used to go there, for meals and walk back to hotel.
“After one such meal as we were walking back to hotel you said, Paaji bahot ho gaya, fitness pe dhyan dena hai (we need to focus on fitness). I have to say you have left no stone unturned as far fitness is concerned, and numbers are there for everyone to see.
“That one particular evening I remember, you said that and achieved your goal.”
Virat Kohli’s 100th Test match was earlier scheduled to be played behind closed doors, but BCCI on Tuesday (March 1) announced that the gates will be opened for the spectators due to improving COVID-19 situation.
(With PTI inputs)
