Mumbai, March 2 – West Indies cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards has lauded Virat Kohli for his unwavering fighting spirit, energy, and passion, placing him among the sport’s greatest and most legendary players.
Richards, a long-time admirer of Kohli's fierce determination and dedication to the game, praised the Indian batter for silencing critics with his stellar performances on the field. Reflecting on Kohli's remarkable return to form before the 2023 ICC Men's World Cup, Richards emphasized how Kohli’s ability to bounce back from setbacks exemplifies his legendary status.
"Kohli answers to everyone with his performances," said Richards, a governing council member of the International Master League, during a virtual interaction. "Before the World Cup, he wasn’t in great form in ODIs, but he returned in magnificent shape, which speaks volumes about his character."
Richards added that such resilience is not common in players, especially those who can recover from tough phases. "His fighting spirit, energy, and passion for the game set him apart," he continued. "Not everyone has that ability to come back when things aren’t going their way."
Kohli's Energy Reflects His Passion
Sir Vivian Richards, renowned for his aggressive and passionate style of play, mentioned that if he were still on the field today, he would love to have Kohli’s energy. "His energy mirrors his passion," he said. "Kohli is always engaged in the game, never missing a moment. He brings intensity and enthusiasm that is truly magnificent."
Richards, who himself was known for his assertive approach, also drew comparisons between Kohli and his own style of batting. "Kohli reminds me of myself," he said. "He is bold and confident, always ready to take on challenges. You need players like that—guys who confront their opponents and defend their team with unwavering belief."
Kohli’s Future in ODI Cricket
Looking ahead, Richards expressed confidence that Kohli’s fitness and determination would allow him to continue playing at the highest level for many years. "Given his fitness and the hunger he still has for the game, Kohli could play for as long as he wants. He could even still be playing when he's 50!" Richards exclaimed.
The West Indian great pointed out that Kohli’s recent century against Pakistan in Dubai was proof that the Indian star is still in top form. "Even after all these years, he just scored a magnificent hundred. That shows he’s still at the peak of his powers," Richards added.
No Comparisons with Tendulkar
While Richards acknowledged the greatness of Virat Kohli, he declined to make comparisons between him and cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar. "I don’t believe in comparisons," Richards said. "Every player has their own time, their own era. We should appreciate and celebrate each of them for what they contributed to the game. The fans are the true judges of their legacy."
Backing Rohit Sharma
Richards also extended his support to India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, who has faced some struggles with his form. He encouraged the Indian team to be patient with their skipper, stating that even the best players go through tough patches. "Give him the opportunity to play through it," Richards advised. "We’ve seen players who go through a rough phase and then come back stronger. Rohit is still a magnificent player, and I believe he will find his rhythm again."
Richards remains hopeful that Rohit will deliver when it matters most, especially during the knockout stages of international tournaments. "Some players peak later in the tournament, and I believe Rohit could be one of those players," he concluded.
As Kohli continues to dazzle fans with his passion and commitment, and with support from cricketing icons like Richards, the future of Indian cricket looks bright, both for the legendary Kohli and for the resurgent Sharma.
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