Sydney: Former Australian leg spinner Shane Warne praised Virat Kohli for leading India to victory over the hosts in the fourth Test at the Oval after a terrible start. Warne, who dubbed Kohli the world’s greatest superstar, said that Test cricket will continue as long as Kohli was alive.
Kohli’s dedication towards the longest format of the game was nothing new. Once again he talked about the importance of Test cricket and stressed why all teams around the globe should prioritize the format the most.
Before the start of the final day’s play, India had a target of 10 wickets on a flat pitch. The Indian bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur showed great confidence on the field. The Kohli-led side recorded a mammoth 157-run win over England in the fourth Test at the Oval to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
“They look up to him. He’s got the respect of all the players. They back him and they play for him. It’s important for a captain that a team plays for you. I think the way Virat conducts himself, we’ve all got to say, ‘Thank You Virat’,” Warne was quoted as saying to Sky Sports.
With the emphatic win in the Oval, Kohli became the first Asian captain with the most number of wins (6) in SENA countries. Kohli surpassed the likes of Imran Khan, Javed Miadad, Kapil Dev, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Wasim Akram to achieve this feat.
He is now India’s most successful Test captain, having led the country to 15 foreign victories.
“He loves Test cricket and he’s made it a priority. India is a powerhouse in world cricket and you’ve got the biggest superstar on the planet, Virat Kohli, saying Test cricket is important, we’re going to Australia and win and we’re going to England and win,” he stated.
Warne, who is the second in the list of all-time leading Test wicket-takers, believes Kohli’s passion for Test cricket has infused life into the purest format of the game. Warne also expressed his gratitude towards Kohli and asked him to keep playing the format.
for as long as possible.
“The way he’s led them, he’s made them believe; belief is such an important part of sports. If you don’t believe, you won’t succeed no matter how good a side you have. Kohli gives his team the belief and it’s great to watch. Long live Test cricket while we’ve Virat Kohli. Please keep playing for a long long time,” Warne signed off.
