Ross Taylor Says Kohli Will Finish His Career as One of the All Time Greats

Jan 9, 2019 at 3:57 PM

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Ross Taylor Says Kohli Will Finish His Career as One of the All Time Greats

It has been a dramatic rise of Virat Kohli as an international cricketer and only in the 10th year of his international career, he is already touted as the greatest batsman of the modern generation. The consistency with which he scores across all three formats of the game sets him apart from the rest. Among the current crop of cricketers, he is the only batsman to boast of 50+ average in all three formats of the game.

There is no doubt about the fact that he is the most hardworking cricketer on the planet and the way he keeps himself fit and leads his team by example is a learning curve for every youngster watching him evolve around them. Meanwhile, New Zealand middle-order batsman Ross Taylor who has been one of the main performers for the underperforming Kiwis in the last decade or so felt that by the time Kohli calls it quits in his international career, he will go on to become one of the all-time greats.

Virat Kohli | Indian cricket team |
Virat Kohli plays towards off-side.

Taylor has been a prolific run scorer for the Kiwis and averages over 45 in both Tests and ODI’s. The Kiwis have performed well in patches, but the consistency hasn’t been there. Taylor was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise when Virat Kohli was yet to become a modern day great.

During an exclusive interview with India Today, Taylor spoke on some aspects including New Zealand’s chances in the ODI series. He feels that the Kiwis must be at their very best if they harbour any hopes of competing with this belligerent Indian side who is on their way to becoming the No.1 team in all three formats of the game.

 Taylor conceded that it would be a monumental task for them to beat the Men in Blue in their den.

“You try to win everything you play. But we know it will be tough. We play them a lot but India is always very good at home. We will have to be at our best to compete” Taylor said.

Taylor lauded the Indian crowds for their knowledge of the game and said that the crowd always loves enjoying some good cricket.

“India is a unique place to play and a place I have always enjoyed. Indian crowds are knowledgeable and they love the game. Players have had enough IPL games now to have a following. I have played for four different teams. The Indian crowds will try their best to enjoy good cricket,” Taylor said.

Taylor scored a fluent century in the 2nd Warm-up game against the Boards President’s XI which will give him confidence ahead of the tough ODI series against India.

“Practice game or whatever, it’s good to spend some time out there. Its been quite cold back home and to come in the heat and humidity here has affected the players a little bit. But hopefully, the two hit-outs will prepare us well. Wankhede is a lovely stadium to play cricket in and the team is looking forward to that,” Taylor added.

Taylor was asked how would the team cope with the Indian spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal who bowled brilliantly in the series against the Aussies.

“Anytime you play India, spin will be a big factor. The way they play our spinners and the way we have to combat their spin. We have had a good hit out. Nadeem and Karn Sharma also put us under pressure at numerous times and the way we go against spin, will go a long way in knowing how we go in this series.”

 

Lauding the whole balance of the Indian team, Taylor said:

“The whole balance of the Indian side is impressive. Fast bowlers with Bhuvi swinging it early and also Bumrah. Hardik is turning himself into a world class all-rounder. We know we have to be at top of our game. Their batting line up as well, our bowlers will have to be at their best. But it was a good series here last time, we lost 3-2. We have fond memories here and hopefully we can get one better.”

Virat Kohli. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

 

Taylor was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise in the IPL where Kohli is the current captain. Taylor conceded that he has loved watching the growth of Kohli and has followed his progress from 2008-2017. “Look I have enjoyed watching Virat grow and have followed his progress from the young player of 2008 for RCB to the player he is now. He and Williamson are very similar. Batsmen who ask questions at a very young age and you can see the class at very young age.

To see him where he is today and the consistency he has and now with the added responsibility of captaining the country that he has taken with both hands. I am sure for the next however long he wants to play; he will be one of the best players of all time to have played the game. Which is high praise for a player of his age,” Taylor told India Today.

Kohli (Photo Credit): AFP

 

When asked whether his team can pull off something special in the ODI and T20I series in India, Taylor said that it’s very difficult to predict especially against a strong Indian side but if the Kiwis can play to their potential they can put India under some pressure and from there on anything can happen.

“You don’t make too many predictions against India. We know we will have to be at our best to compete. If we can master our skills and execute our game plans we can hopefully put this very good Indian side under some pressure and you never know from there,” Taylor said.

 

Then Taylor was asked some T20 type questions where he was given a name, and he had to say a few words on the particular individual.

Martin Guptill  — a good friend and teammate. He just needs a haircut; it’s too bright for me.

Brendon McCullum — swashbuckling opener, a very good captain and has taken his team forward. Just speaks too much sometimes.

Mike Hesson — short and very good coach. Played a big part in the evolution of this side.

IPL — Great to be a part of and thoroughly enjoyed being part of four different sides.

Retirement — not far away.

Virat Kohli poses with the trophy after wining the Test series against Sri Lanka 3-0. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
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