The world will be at Virat Kohli's feet in a few years: Sourav Ganguly

Indian Test captain Virat Kohli has been in the form of his life and has been scoring heaps of runs against every team irrespective of the format. After a stupendous double century against the touring English side, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has again showered praises on the “Modern Master” and claimed that he has taken batting to a different level.

During an open conversation with India Today, Sourav Ganguly reflected on Kohli’s dream run and didn’t hesitate to put the future of Indian cricket on his capable shoulders. “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,” Ganguly said.

Making his Test captaincy debut against Australia in Adelaide, Kohli made an immediate impact by scoring twin centuries in a nail-biting Test which India lost narrowly. In his short captaincy stint, Kohli has scored 2096 runs in 21 Test matches at an average of 65.50 only 2nd best to the great Sir Don Bradman. Across all formats , he has scored 2946 runs in 38 matches at an outstanding average of 66.95.

“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.”

The former captain was very impressed with Kohli’s approach and was particularly pleased with the way he scored the runs. Referring to the brilliant knock in Vizag, Ganguly said Kohli knew that if he failed in the Test England would have gained an upper hand. But he did what the doctor just ordered for Team India.

The flamboyant right-hander scored a magnificent century to turn the scales in favour of India and there was no looking back from that point. Courtesy the innings victory in Mumbai, India has gained an unassailable 3-0 lead in the 5 match series with one more Test to be played in Chennai from 16th December.

“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,” Ganguly said.