'Put My Life And Last Dollar On Virat': Australia Great Picks Kohli Over Sachin Tendulkar And Brian Lara
India superstar Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the finest batters of his era.
He might be going through a lean patch, but Virat Kohli is still the “best player" in the eyes of Australia great Justin Langer. Kohli, who started India’s ongoing Australia tour with a century in series opener, hasn’t been able to carry forward the form and repeatedly perished while chasing outside off-stump deliveries.
In the first innings of the 4th Test, currently underway in Melbourne, Kohli put on a disciplined effort as he avoided deliveries going away from his bat. The former captain settled down well and indicated he’s in for a long haul but late into the second day’s play, Scott Boland had him caught behind for 36.
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Langer, while on commentary duties, responded to former Australia batter Mark Waugh’s query on why he will bet his life and last dollar on Kohli even though he had the privilege of playing alongside/against the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting.
“You asked me Mark why I said yesterday that Virat Kohli is the best player that I have ever seen. There were a few raised eyebrows, but he actually is," Langer said. “We talk about Sachin… What a player. It was one of the privileges of my life to play against Sachin Tendulkar and, of course, with Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara. If I had my last rupee or my last dollar, I would pay to watch Brian Lara bat, but if I had my life and my last dollar, and both of them together, I would have Virat Kohli batting for me."
Langer point out the array of shots at Kohli’s disposal, his supreme fitness and leadership style as the standout qualities.
“The reason why I say that is not because of the expansive shots, his cover drives or his hook shots. But you just saw, the way he is watching the ball, his running between the wicket, his fielding, his gladiatorial style of leadership. His elite fitness level, everything that he’s brought to the table. His numbers speak for themselves. You can never argue with data. Those are why he is the best player I have ever seen. And we have seen a lot of them. But he is the one player, I think; if I had to put my money on, he would be the one," he said.
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