Legendary Sunil Gavaskar hailed Virat Kohli after the Indian veteran played his 300th ODI against New Zealand in the ongoing Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday. Kohli could only score 11 runs in his milestone ODI before he was caught brilliantly by Glenn Phillips at backward point.
The talisman had nailed his shot but Phillips dived to his right to take a stunner. Meanwhile, Kohli had scored a match-winning knock of 100 runs off 111 balls against the arch-rivals Pakistan in the run-chase of 242.
That was Kohli’s 51st ODI century and his 82nd International hundred across formats. Kohli also became the fastest to reach the landmark of 14000 ODI runs during the match against Pakistan.
Kohli became the seventh Indian player after Mohammad Azharuddin, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, and Yuvraj Singh to play 300 ODI matches.
“He’s gone from student to teacher to, if I may add, the chancellor of the Indian cricket university. For younger players like Shubman Gills and Yashasvi Jaiswals, just sitting next to him and observing how he prepares is a great learning curve,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
The former Indian opener hailed Kohli’s commitment and hunger on the field as he always gives his best.
“It’s not just about the runs he scores. Look at his commitment on the field—how he dives, returns the ball to the wicketkeeper or bowler, and tries to save runs for his team. That wholehearted commitment to India is crucial. That’s why his evolution from a learner to almost a professor of cricket is remarkable,” he added.
Gavaskar lauded Kohli’s passion to keep improving at the top level and always playing with his heart out.
“I think it’s the desire to be better than yesterday. He’s never satisfied with what he’s achieved and always wants to do more. The pride he shows playing for India is an honor and a privilege. There are millions who dream of playing for India. Whether it’s a test match, a 50-over game, or a T20 game, representing your country is every young kid’s dream and ambition. Keeping that ambition alive is key for Kohli wanting to excel in every game,” he stated.
India posted 249 runs against New Zealand after they were put into bat by Mitchell Santner.
