Greg Chappell speaks about Virat Kohli's attitude towards Tests

In a recent interview, a veteran of the game -- Gregory Stephen Chappell -- spoke highly about Kohli's attitude towards Tests. The modern game is such that there are few players who pay as much attention to Test cricket as they do to T20Is and ODI's.

Chappell was one of the best batsmen during his days and in the 87 Tests he played for Australia, he amassed 7110 runs averaging 53.86. The former Aussie captain has also coached the Indian national cricket team in the past.

Greg Chappell is always unafraid to speak his mind. Quoting News 18 -- the veteran maestro said:

"With three formats, young players growing up watching Twenty20 cricket and seeing what the top players do, and wanting to play all the fancy shots straightaway... it’s an issue. The players who are good at T20 now, grew up thinking about Test cricket or at worst, 50-over cricket.

Virat Kohli is one of the best T20 players in the world, he’s also one of the best 50-over players in the world and he is one of the best Test players in the world. He didn’t start with 20-over cricket. His attitude is not only important to him and to Indian cricket, it’s important to world cricket. He values Test cricket and the effect that this has back in India must be enormous. And I think it’s huge for the game."

Kohli also feels that the Test format is the most testing format. The format challenges the endurance and psychology of a player. Virat Kohli has a phenomenal career in all 3 formats. In the 77 Tests, the Delhi-born player has played thus far, he has scored 6613 at an average of 53.76 -- which is strikingly similar to that of Chappell.

The influx of domestic T20 leagues around the world has also had an impact on the Test format. Cricket fans must understand how important the Test format is. In fact, Kohli made his ODI debut in 2008, T20 debut in 2010 and lastly Test debut in 2011.

Chiku, as he is popularly known, has proven his ability with the bat in Tests -- both domestically and overseas. He recently became the first Indian captain to lead the nation to a Test Series win down under. A run-machine now, his transformation as a versatile player can be credited to his consistency in Test cricket.

It remains to be seen if Chappell's plea to value Test cricket like Kohli does will spread quickly or will fall on deaf ears.