Cricket News

South African star cricketers heaps praise on India’s swashbuckling batter Virat Kohli

Team India has locked horns against South Africa for the first Test game on December 26 in Centurion. Notably, the series marks the comeback of Virat Kohli into the cricketing field after the ODI World Cup 2023 final. The 35-year-old cricketer played an imperative role in guiding India to the final of the marquee event. Meanwhile, South African cricketers hailed Virat Kohli during their interview with Star Sports ahead of the clash.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma affirms that India’s star cricketer is the biggest threat in the batting lineup. In addition, the top-order batter believes that Kohli understands the South African condition very well owing to his experience on their pitches.

“The biggest threat in the Indian batting lineup, you obviously can’t rule out Virat Kohli. He has played here several times, so we’ll say that he understands the conditions.”

Meanwhile, South Africa star all-rounder Aiden Markram calls Virat Kohli a fighter who is always keen to destroy the opposition.

“He is a fierce competitor. We might not always be the most skilful people, but to always try to fight out and compete, have more hunger than you’ve been playing against.”

However, left-arm pacer Marco Jansen feels bowling to Virat Kohli is difficult owing to his great strengths.

“Bowling to Virat Kohli is tough because he knows what he is doing, and he knows what his strengths and weaknesses are.”

Test cricket for me is the foundation of the game: Virat Kohli

However, Virat Kohli was seen expressing his love for Test cricket ahead of the game. The former India skipper reveals that he had a different feeling while playing in the Test game. In addition, the 35-year-old cricketer reveals that the red ball is the foundation of cricket for him.

“Test cricket for me is the foundation of the game. It’s everything. You come out on the other side after four to five days, it’s a different feeling from anything else that you’ve experienced. As an individual, as a team, the job satisfaction of having played a long innings and winning your team a Test match is a special feeling,” Virat Kohli said on Star Sports.