Having proven his credentials as a top-notch batsman across all forms of the game, Virat Kohli is only growing in stature with every series. Following a game-changing double century against England in the fourth Test in Mumbai, the current skipper has earned immense praise from one of India’s greatest ever captains.
During a candid chat with India Today, Sourav Ganguly reflected on the star batsman’s impeccable run of form and had no hesitation in placing Indian cricket’s future on his capable shoulders.
Ganguly said, “The numbers can't get better than this. If you look at his (Kohli’s) stats as skipper – 30 matches, 3000-plus runs at an average of 100. To have an average like that in 30 matches on a consistent basis is unreal. Hopefully, he continues to bat like this.”
Kohli made his Test captaincy debut in the 2014 Adelaide Test against Australia and instantly captured the attention by scoring a century in each innings. As skipper, he has scored 2096 runs from 21 matches with his average of 65.50 being the second-best in the game’s history after Sir Don Bradman. Across all formats, his numbers read - 2946 runs from 38 games at an average of 66.95.
Extra Cover: 5 records broken by Virat Kohli during the fourth Test against England in Mumbai
Though Ganguly did not quite get the statistics spot on, he alluded to the right-hander’s impact by declaring, “I've said this before that when Virat Kohli plays you sit on the sofa and watch. Because you see a man who's passionate, you see a man who wants to win, you see a man who wants to take Indian cricket forward.
“Future of Indian cricket rests on Virat Kohli if he continues like this. His hunger, his want for runs, he's got a good head on his shoulders. The world will be at his feet in a few years' time.”
Not just about Stats
Kohli has led India in 21* Tests with 12 wins and just two defeats including four successive series victories. Aside from setting an ideal example by lifting his game during pressure moments, the Delhi lad’s emphasis on fitness and all-round game also seems to have rubbed off on his teammates.
Going by his monumental year, he seems to be reaping the rewards for all his hard work. From 36* matches across all formats in 2016, Kohli has scored a whopping 2580 runs whilst maintaining his consistency in almost every series. More than the numbers, the ability to play according to the situation and shift gears has elevated his reputation.
Ganguly elaborated, “There have been batsmen in the past who have averaged over 50 in Test and ODI cricket in the same year. But what stands out for Kohli and makes him different from the rest is the situation and circumstances in which he gets his runs.
“You look at the (second) Vizag Test – he came in when India were in a spot of bother, he knew how important that match was, he knew England were in a good position so he put the knockout punch by getting a big hundred.
“In Mumbai, India were again in trouble because they had to bat fourth in this match, Kohli not only got a hundred but he made sure he took the game away from England. So it's not just about the 50-plus averages or the hundreds, but it's a bit more than that with him. He just stamps his authority to win cricket matches for India be it in ODIs, Tests or T20Is.”
(*Note: All statistics are accurate as of 11th December, 2016)
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