The West Indies Cricket Team legend Sir Garfield Sobers has lauded the modern-day batting giant Virat Kohli for his sensational run in the top-flight cricket. The veteran Sobers has expressed delighted to see Kohli laying hands on the coveted trophy for the second consecutive time (2017-2018). Sobers remarked Kohli’s ability sets him apart while adding there aren’t many around who could match his prominence.
“He [Kohli] is a great player, and there are not many cricketers around who can match his ability,” Sobers told Mid-day.
Sir Garfield calls Kohli ‘intelligent’:
Besides, Sobers who expressed joy after hearing the news maintained Kohli is exceptional in his own league as a leader. He added the most consistent batsman in the contemporary cricket ought to bag the record.
“You have made my day with the great news. As a captain too, he is very intelligent. He deserved this award,” Sobers said on Kohli.
On January 22, Kohli claimed a hat-trick of ICC Awards 2018 to become the first-ever cricketer—to clinch all three awards in a single year. The 30-year-old right-handed star batter Kohli bagged ICC Cricketer of the Year award while winning Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy. He further emerged as the Test and One-day International Cricketer of the Year respectively.
Kohli also became the second-ever cricketer following Australia’s legendary Ricky Ponting. Former Aussie skipper Ponting clinched Garfield Sobers trophy in 2006 and 2007 respectively.
While congratulating Kohli, Sobers reiterated the former is the nicest bloke whom he met in Trinidad.
“Kohli is a great human being, a wonderful person. I met him once in Trinidad. My heartiest congratulations to him,” Sobers said.
Moreover, Kohli has been named as the skipper of Test and ODI teams following the amazing run while being at the helm. There’s no doubt that he would walk out as one of the prominent skippers of all-time.
In a calendar year, Kohli recorded 1202 runs in 14 ODIs at the incredible average of 133.55. He smashed six hundreds in between. Eventually, it helped Kohli to lead the charts before amassing 1322 runs at an average of 55.08 in 13 Test fixtures.
In addition, in 10 Twenty20 Internationals Kohli recorded 211 runs.
Sir Garfield Sobers thanks ICC:
While talking through about the trophy in his name, Sobers said that he is thankful to those who have had suggested his name for it. He added he has no problem whatsoever if the world cricket governing body International Cricket Council (ICC) decides to withdraw his name in the foreseeable future.
“I am thankful to the ICC for naming the trophy after me. I am not sure whether they would continue to name the trophy, but if they wish to change it in future, I have no issues with it. They are entitled to do so, if they wish. I am thankful to those who suggested my name be associated with the trophy,” Sobers remarked.
Earlier, Kohli has expressed joy for adding another feather to his cap. He maintained such things motivate cricketers to do their best. Also, he is proud of the way things have had fallen in his way.
“Obviously, a very proud moment for me and something that gives you more motivation to keep repeating the same things because you have to keep the standard of cricket up and keep bringing in consistent performances,” Kohli told ICC in a release.
Concurrently, Kohli is leading the Men in Blue in the limited-overs series against New Zealand. The visitors lead the five-match ODI series 1-0 following an eight-wicket win in Napier on Wednesday (January 23).