Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has said Virat Kohli is a tremendous batsman but it’s too early to comment on whether he’ll break all records or not. Having played alongside the greatest modern day batsman Sachin Tendulkar for nearly a decade, Azhar knows what its like to witness records getting broken from the other end.
Virat Kohli, on Friday, completed his fourth double ton in as many passing series, surpassing cricketing geniuses Sir Donald Bradman and Rahul Dravid to achieve the feat. Riding on his innings, India propelled to put a mountain total of 687 on the board in first innings.
Speaking to Mid-Day, Azhar talked about Virat’s dominance against the visitors saying he is quick in creating opportunities on the ground. Though unable to find much faults in his technique, the Hyderabad born claimed Virat is as focused as anyone, and that’s why he breaks and creates records with much ease.
“He played well, no doubt about it. When opportunities arise, he scores runs. I would say he creates opportunities. He is a very good all-round player and you can hardly find any fault in him. More importantly, he is very focused. He is one player, who really looks after himself, looks after his body. When you are fit, you can score big runs at all times.”
When asked to share his thoughts on Virat’s ability to overtake majority of batting records, the 54-year-old was shy in nodding his head saying its too early to drag him in that list.
“It’s very early to say anything. Records, after all, are meant to be broken. It’s hard to predict, but he has the ability, talent, focus and hunger to achieve everything.”
Azharuddin, who captained India in 47 Tests for nine years, appreciated Virat as a leader, admitting if one keeps on scoring runs then he automatically becomes a good leader. He then said the Delhi lad has held the responsibility with conviction and calmness and hopes he continues to stamp his authority with the same grace for coming years.
Having a glare at Virat’s record, the Delhi-born has guided India to 14 wins in 22 Test matches so far with just one loss. He led India to a 3-0 win against New Zealand at home before thrashing England 4-0 in the five-match series.
“He is a good leader. When you are scoring runs, you automatically become a good leader because you are armed with so much confidence. If you struggle with your performance then it becomes very difficult for a leader to perform his role. He is on a high and I hope he is always on a high. Whatever Virat has done, he has done with authority and conviction, so I think he doesn’t need to take any pressure on himself whatsoever.”