Sachin Tendulkar would have been proud of Virat Kohli - says Sunil Gavaskar

Virat Kohli scored 119 on Day 1

Virat Kohli had big boots to fill, as he strode on to the wicket in his usual self assured manner, with India reeling at 24 for 2 in 1st Test at Johannesburg between India and South Africa.

What subsequently unfolded, was a spectacle to behold. The 25-year-old showed immaculate batsmanship, as he looked steady in defence, and graceful in shot making. Kohli showed grit and determination that we have come to expect of the number 4 over the past two decades. He went on to score 119 of the best runs, sparing India’s blushes in the process.

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar, applauded the centurion, and asserted that the master Sachin Tendulkar, would have been proud of his performance. He said, “Sachin Tendulkar would have been very proud of the way (Virat) Kohli played. He was quick to make good use of the loose ball and played wonderfully on this track,”

Virat Kohli scored his fifth century, in a relatively infant Test career. He became only the eighth Indian to reach the milestone in the Rainbow Nation and third at the Wanderers.

Gavaskar, who faced his fair share of pacers of the ilk of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel in his time, gave a nod of approval to Virat Kohli’s technique.

“If you don’t play well off the back foot, then you will struggle in South Africa. Virat’s innings has shown that the perception that India can’t play fast bowling is totally wrong,” he said.

The future of India looks to be in safe hands.