Players like Virat Kohli have shown that one can excel in all three formats: Rahul Dravid

After emerging as one of the best batsmen across the globe, Virat Kohli added another feather in his cap after receiving the captaincy baton from MS Dhoni. Kohli’s batting prowess and his consistency across all formats is not a secret. The right-hander’s run-scoring spree proves his calibre and Kohli is currently poised at ‘Numero Uno’ spot in ICC ODI rankings.

Many former cricketers are in awe of Kohli’s hunger to excel in all formats of the game. In the latest episode of ESPNcricinfo Videocast, Dravid spoke to cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar on a variety of topics including Kohli’s success across all three formats.

Dravid said that it’s the Indian skipper’s intensity and ability to challenge himself which puts him head and shoulders above others. Dravid heaped further praise on Kohli and said that it takes ‘special ability’ to dazzle in all formats of the game.

Virat Kohli really values Test cricket: Rahul Dravid

“There are some players like Virat Kohli who have shown that one can excel in all three formats of the game too but it takes special ability to do so. Things to learn from Virat Kohli are the intensity that he brings to practice and his ability to challenge himself. Intensity will help you survive difficult spells and you need to bring that into practice,” Dravid said during the interaction.

Dravid, who donned the national jersey in 164 Tests, 344 ODIs and one T20I, also opened up on Kohli’s association with Test cricket. Dravid said that Kohli understands that he will achieve ‘real respect’ after excelling in Test format. According to Dravid, the aggressive batting element in the longer format has also become more exciting than before.

“I actually believe Test batsmanship has become more exciting than before, the aggressive element of Test batsmanship is going forward, players are playing shots and it is good to see, a good thing for India is Virat Kohli really values Test cricket, he understands that the real respect for him as a cricketer will come from his success in Test cricket.”