New Delhi, Feb 26 – Former Indian opener and Mumbai cricket veteran Wasim Jaffer is confident that Virat Kohli will continue playing for another three to four years and is well on track to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries.
Kohli, 36, currently boasts 82 international centuries across formats, with his latest coming in India's dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy in Dubai. However, his recent form at home had raised concerns before this crucial knock.
“As a cricket fan, you want to see Virat bat as much as possible. With the way he performed against Pakistan, no one wants to see him get out. When he scores runs, everyone is happy, and I’m sure people would love to see him play for another 3-4 years and break all records,” Jaffer stated at the launch of the India Corporate T20 Bash (ICBT20), a corporate cricket league.
Jaffer believes Kohli is inching closer to breaking Tendulkar’s seemingly insurmountable record. “When Sachin scored 100 international centuries, it felt like an unbreakable feat. But considering how Virat has scored runs since 2010, it seems like he will achieve the impossible. If he does, Sachin himself will be happy," he added.
Praise for Shubman Gill and India's Future Batting Stars
Jaffer, who is part of the steering committee of ICBT20, also heaped praise on young Indian opener Shubman Gill but cautioned against comparisons with Kohli.“It is unfair to compare Shubman with Virat. He is forging his path and playing terrific cricket. He was the Player of the Series in England and started well in the Champions Trophy, and I hope he continues this form. He and Yashasvi Jaiswal will take Indian batting forward,” Jaffer remarked.
Herschelle Gibbs on Kohli’s Longevity and India’s Chances in the Champions Trophy
Echoing Jaffer’s sentiments, former South African opener and ICBT20 brand ambassador Herschelle Gibbs expressed confidence in Kohli’s longevity.“With his fitness and hunger for runs, Kohli can easily play for another four years. He is in the same category as AB de Villiers, who might have retired early, but fitness was never an issue for him. Virat’s ability to handle pressure, especially in ODI chases, is phenomenal,” said Gibbs.
Gibbs also backed India as a strong contender for the ongoing Champions Trophy. "India are clear favorites; they look powerful. South Africa, too, is in a good space, but their history in big tournaments hasn’t been great. Hopefully, they can rectify that, and we might see an India-South Africa final," he added.
ICBT20 Set for May Kickoff
The inaugural edition of the India Corporate T20 Bash will feature six teams – Bengaluru Avengers, Delhi Kings, Gurugram Spartans, Gujarat Diamonds, Hyderabad Royals, and Mumbai Champions. The tournament is scheduled to take place in May.With Kohli continuing to dominate and young talents like Gill and Jaiswal rising, Indian cricket appears to be in a formidable position for the years to come.
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