Nobody can stop Kohli at the moment: Muttiah Muralitharan

Spin bowling coach for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Muttiah Muralitharan has stated that this was a memorable IPL season for the Hyderabad-based franchise. However, the former Sri Lankan spinner has also added that they were lucky on a few occasions as well. The spin legend also added that Mustafizur Rahman was one of the biggest talents in world cricket at the moment.

“This year’s IPL was really a memorable one. We clicked well as a unit. David Warner was fantastic as a captain as well as a batsman. Luck also favoured us on certain occasions.”

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About Mustafizur Rahman, he said: “What can I say about him! He is a special talent and needs to be groomed well. For that, he needs to play more overseas tournaments. He is a big talent for world cricket.’’

Muralitharan also stated that he was in complete awe of Virat Kohli.

“Virat Kohli is in the middle of a dream form, but he has been performing like this for the last two years – not only in the IPL but also international cricket. He is making runs for India and also for his (IPL) franchise. Nobody can stop him at the moment. Hope he continues that way.”

Murali also added that the current Sri Lankan side will take the time to blossom. “Sri Lanka is a young side now. The players need time to be consistent in international cricket. I am not worried about Sri Lanka’s current form as I feel that the team is going through a transition phase. Lots of players who played over the last two decades have now retired, so we need to give them (youngsters) time. It happens with every team. It’s a difficult patch but they will come back.”

Finally, speaking about the ‘Vision 2020’ for the Sunrisers, Muralitharan said, “Vision 2020 is not only about spin-bowling training. It’s all about cricket. VVS, TA Sekhar and I are doing the coaching part. We had a good session. All young players are coming into this camp. My aim is to pick good spinners. On the other side, Laxman is in search for good batsman for Kolkata and for India as well. So we are trying hard and giving our knowledge to them.”

“Let’s see how they take that knowledge. If they work hard, then they can be good cricketers. We are trying to set up a bank. Some really good players have come up. We have some very good and experienced coaches who will help to bring up new cricketers. Until now we have achieved a lot. Boys are doing good but we have to go a long way because this programme is only a few years old.”