SA v IND 2021-22: 'Youngsters need this sort of discipline to bat at top level'- Butt praises “vintage” Kohli

Virat Kohli played a brilliant innings of 79 runs in the series decider

Virat Kohli hits 79 runs on the 1st Day of Cape Town Test | Getty Images

Indian Test team captain, Virat Kohli played an extraordinary inning of 79 runs on Day 1 of the series-deciding third Test at Cape Town. Kohli, who had missed the second Test in Johannesburg due to a back spasm, showed tremendous form and patience.

Kohli's 79 and 43 from Cheteshwar Pujara helped India from being bowled out for under 200 and the duo pushed the final total to 223 runs.

Kohli’s disciplined inning was applauded by former Pakistan skipper, Salman Butt. Butt said that Kohli has set an example for “youngsters” who aspire to be Test cricketers.

It looked like vintage Kohli. It was an outstanding display of discipline. If a youngster wants to bat at the highest level, this is the discipline you need. When you're leaving the deliveries on length, you know you are in good form. The ball was seaming in the start, Kohli even took body blows but it was a brilliant display of grit and command,” Butt said on YouTube.

“He was beaten as well but the moment ball came into his zone, it went for boundary almost every time. This is what you relate to Kohli. There are only 4-5 players who can score such top-class shots when they're in form. It was a masterclass.”

Also Read: SA v IND 2021-22: "You need to forget about the name," Morkel on how SA pacers can tackle Kohli

Butt also mentioned that the “best” part of Kohli’s innings was his determination of not going for drives outside the off-stumps deliveries.

“Many players find balance when they keep their foot towards point. Many have their foot towards covers. But the best thing was he left those balls. He only played balls that were overpitched and near his body. Only when he was set, he go for drives. He had decided to not go for the shots wide outside-off at all, which was the best thing,” said the former Pakistan skipper.

Exemplary to watch. Any batter; youngsters obviously; or even an international player who wants to know how to stay determined on a difficult pitch (should watch this innings). When you aren't scoring runs, you are under pressure. No one can escape that. Especially the player who has scored so many hundreds. Despite all the pressure, his pick and choose, and the way he found the lengths, it's fantastic.”

 
 

By Khushi Raghuwanshi - 12 Jan, 2022

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