'We've got to say Thank you Virat, he's the biggest superstar on this planet' - Shane Warne on Virat Kohli prioritising Test cricket

Former Australian spinner Shane Warne lauded Indian captain Virat Kohli for prioritising Test cricket and garnering loads of success in his career. Back in 2019, Virat became India’s most successful Test skipper, surpassing MS Dhoni during the tour of the West Indies. The 32-year-old has gone from strength to strength and has helped Team India win Test matches on overseas soil.

On Monday, September 6, India beat England by 157 runs in the fourth Test of the five-match series at the Kennington Oval in London. With the final Test scheduled to start on September 10, India have already taken an unassailable 2-1 lead. Warne said that Kohli conducts himself in the apt manner and has earned the respect of his teammates over the time period.

He loves Test cricket and he’s made it a priority: Shane Warne

“They look up to him. He’s got the respect of all the players. They back him and they play for him. It’s important for a captain that a team plays for you. I think the way Virat conducts himself, we’ve all got to say, ‘Thank You Virat’,” Warne was quoted as saying to Sky Sports.

“He loves Test cricket and he’s made it a priority. India is a powerhouse in world cricket and you’ve got the biggest superstar in the planet, Virat Kohli, saying Test cricket is important, we’re going to Australia and win and we’re going to England and win,” Warne stated.

'Thank you Virat Kohli' – Shane Warne. pic.twitter.com/tm4iU2SgA9

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Warne, who’s second in the list of all-time leading Test wicket-takers, stated that Kohli has instilled self-belief in his team to thrive in adversity. The spin wizard expressed his gratitude towards Kohli and asked him to keep playing the format.

“The way he’s led them, he’s made them believe; belief is such an important part of sports. If you don’t believe, you won’t succeed no matter how good a side you have. Kohli gives his team the belief and it’s great to watch. Long live Test cricket while we’ve Virat Kohli. Please keep playing for a long long time,” Warne added.

On the fifth day’s play, India needed to pick up 10 wickets to win the game. Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed put on 100 runs for the opening wicket to put the Brits on the driver’s seat. But India bowled the hosts out for 210 to seal the fate of the game at the KIA Oval.