West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards stated on Sunday that Virat Kohli’s combative attitude, energy, and dedication place him among cricket’s ‘great’ and ‘legendary’ figures. Richards, a long-standing admirer of Kohli’s unwavering spirit and love for the game, also applauded the Indian batsman for silencing critics with his performances on the field. ‘I believe he truly answers all of us. Before the ODI World Cup, when he wasn’t performing exceptionally well, he returned in magnificent form. This is a true testament to the character we are discussing,’ Richards commented during a virtual interaction.
‘This is why I categorize him as great and legendary. It’s not always that you find players who can bounce back when they are down. His fighting spirit, energy, and passion to excel make him exceptional.’ Richards mentioned that if he were still playing, he would have loved to have Kohli’s dynamism on the field.
‘His energy mirrors his passion. It demonstrates his constant involvement in the game. There is a passion for it. Virat Kohli doesn’t miss a single moment on the field. He is simply magnificent in that aspect,’ he added.
Kohli reminds me of myself
When asked about batsmen he admires, the former West Indies captain responded that Kohli reminds him of himself.
‘Many batsmen… Previously, there were figures like Sachin Tendulkar, who has retired,’ he noted.
‘But currently, Virat Kohli. He reminds me of myself. He who dares, wins. He has 120 percent self-belief at all times, and when aggression and confrontation are needed, you need individuals like that. I appreciate seeing guys who, especially as a captain, defend their team and those they represent. Virat Kohli, the modern-day player, I admire,’ he further stated.
Richards suggested that given his fitness and desire, Kohli could continue playing ODIs for an extended period.
‘Let me tell you something. Just considering his current state, his fitness, and his unwavering belief and passion for the game, you never know. He might even play until he’s 50,’ he remarked.
‘You never know. But it’s truly magnificent to witness. Sometimes we see players continue, and they reach a certain age where you might observe, ‘wow, he doesn’t seem as good as before.’ But he recently scored a century against Pakistan in Dubai, proving that he is still at his best and in top form,’ he added.
However, Richards refrained from comparing Kohli to Tendulkar. ‘I don’t believe in comparisons. We should be grateful for the eras that everyone has gone through, and that those who watched these players then benefited from seeing some exceptional talent,’ he said.
‘I will never make comparisons. They all served their time and contributed during their playing days for their countries. We should appreciate that period because it’s not just us giving our opinion, but all the fans who watched would also pay tribute to that.’
Backing Rohit
Richards advised that India should be patient with the form of their captain, Rohit Sharma, whose performance has been inconsistent.
‘You have to give him every opportunity. He might have had failures in the past. I simply believe we should wait and see as we approach the semifinals, hoping to reach the finals,’ he said.
‘Let’s observe, because sometimes players peak a bit late. I still believe Rohit is a magnificent player. Players experience difficult phases. It now depends on how effectively he overcomes this, and if he does, it will undoubtedly be for the better,’ he concluded.
