Anil Kumble: Indian batting revolves around Virat Kohli

Veteran Anil Kumble has given a statement on the wonder boy of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli. In an article published in the prestigious newspaper Hindustan today, Kumble has heaped praise on Kohli. Virat Kohli has been drawing the attention of the media, especially after the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar. Many experts and fans have already predicted that Virat will take the position held by legend Tendulkar.

As an seasoned and very contented writer, Kumble has pointed towards the slow start by team India, but has clarified that the result of the first ODI cannot be termed as fully disappointing. He has further underlined the contributions made by Shami Ahmed and Virat Kohli.

Kumble has pinpointed that Kohli’s bat has been strengthening continuously since quite a while now. The utility of his splashing batting, especially while chasing a target, can be adjudged from the very fact that out of his total 18 centuries, 12 have been scored while chasing a target. And out of these 12, his last century, unfortunately, was the only one which could not help team India in winning the match.

Anil Kumble has opined that looking at the current form of Virat Kohli, the Kiwis will definitely target him. But Kumble has categorically made it clear that Virat kohli cannot be compared with Sachin Tendulkar.

Kumble stressed that the key factor in the growth and development of Virat Kohli is his superb ability to mould himself according to the demand of the situation. We have noticed this in South Africa as well. This is the prime identity of a top class batsman. However, Kumble insisted that despite having classy batting skills, Kohli and other Indian batsmen need to be careful against the deadly left-armer Mitchell McClenaghan. He might not be as fast as his counterpart Milne, but given his recent performances (especially during the Champions trophy and England tour of New Zealand), he can certainly change the result of any match.

It has also been highlighted that while making his 18^th ODI century, Kohli has equaled the record of former Australian opener Mark Waugh.  But Kohli’s average is far better than other great batsmen.

Last but not the least, we expect to see the similar fireworks from Virat in the next ODI as well. A similar innings to the first ODI -123 runs in 111 deliveries will be good enough! Sky is the limit when it comes to Virat, which literally means mammoth. Hope to see you strike, champion!