NEW DELHI: Ahead of India's crucial ODI World Cup match against South Africa, scheduled to coincide with Virat Kohli's birthday, the Indian cricket team's head coach, Rahul Dravid, showered accolades on the star batsman, hailing him as a legend of the game, particularly in the 50-over format.
In a candid conversation with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Dravid commended Kohli's remarkable ability to finish games. The former cricketing icon and the current head coach stated that Kohli had set a benchmark for his generation of cricketers.
"Virat's a legend of the game, especially in this format of the game. I think all formats of the game, but particularly this one, I think his performance and the way he finishes games. The standard of his performance over the years has probably set a benchmark for his generation of cricketers," remarked Dravid.
Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also joined in the chorus of praise for Kohli, acknowledging that he has significantly transformed the mindset within Indian cricket. Ashwin underlined Kohli's influence in changing how a batsman perceives and prepares for the game.
"He has changed the DNA of thinking around Indian cricket. How one batsman needs to perceive and prepare for the game," Ashwin said.
Youngster Shubman Gill couldn't help but marvel at Kohli's unrelenting hunger and passion for the game. He emphasised that he hadn't seen anyone with a greater thirst for success than Kohli.
"His hunger and passion for the game are unparalleled. I have not seen anyone as hungry as Virat Kohli," Gill shared.
Virat Kohli himself is in red-hot form at the ongoing ODI World Cup. With seven matches played, he has amassed 442 runs in the prestigious tournament, comprising four fifties and one century. His remarkable century against Bangladesh, where he scored 103, remains a highlight of the tournament.
Wish Virat Kohli on his 35th birthday
Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Team India stands at the summit of the ODI World Cup 2023 standings, having secured 14 points from seven consecutive wins. Their latest triumph came against Sri Lanka, with India emerging victorious by a staggering 302-run margin at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, showcasing their dominance in the competition.
(With inputs from ANI)
