West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards stated on Sunday that Virat Kohli’s combative spirit, dynamism, and fervor position him among cricket’s ‘great’ and ‘legendary’ figures. Richards, a long-standing admirer of Kohli’s unwavering spirit and dedication to the sport, also lauded the Indian batsman for silencing critics through his on-field performances. ‘Indeed, I believe he responds to all of us. Prior to the ODI World Cup, his performance wasn’t optimal, but he returned in magnificent form, a true reflection of the character we are discussing,’ Richards commented during a virtual interaction.
‘This is precisely why I place him in the category of greatness and legend… It’s not always you find players who can rebound from setbacks. His fighting spirit, energy, and passion for success distinguish him.’ Richards added that if he were still playing, he would relish having Kohli’s vigor on the field.
‘His energy mirrors his passion. It demonstrates his constant engagement in the game. There’s a genuine passion there. Virat Kohli is always involved on the field. He’s simply remarkable in that aspect,’ he elaborated.
Kohli Resembles Me
When questioned about batsmen he admires, the former West Indies captain indicated that Kohli reminds him of himself.
‘Many batsmen… Previously, there were figures like Sachin Tendulkar, who has retired,’ he noted.
‘But currently, Virat Kohli stands out. He reminds me of myself. He who dares, wins. He possesses unwavering self-belief, 120 percent confidence at all times, and when aggression and confrontation are necessary, you need individuals like him. I appreciate seeing players who, particularly as a captain, defend their team and those they represent. Virat Kohli, the modern-day player, is someone I admire,’ he added.
Richards suggested that given his fitness and enthusiasm, Kohli could continue playing ODIs for an extended period.
‘Let me tell you something. Considering his current state, his fitness, and his enduring belief and passion for the game, anything is possible. He might even play until he’s 50,’ he remarked.
‘You never know. It’s truly impressive to witness. Sometimes players age, and you might observe a decline in their performance compared to their prime. However, he recently scored a century against Pakistan in Dubai, demonstrating his continued peak form,’ he added.
Richards, however, refrained from comparing Kohli to Tendulkar. ‘I don’t subscribe to comparisons. We should be grateful for the eras we’ve experienced, allowing those who witnessed these players to appreciate their exceptional talent,’ he stated.
‘I will never draw comparisons. They each served their time and contributed during their respective periods representing their nations. We should cherish those times, as it’s not just us offering opinions, but all the fans who watched and admired them.’
Supporting Rohit
Richards advocated for patience with India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, acknowledging his inconsistent form.
‘He should be given every opportunity. He has faced setbacks in the past. I believe we should observe and wait until the semifinals, hoping to reach the finals,’ he said.
‘Let’s see, because sometimes players peak later. I still believe Rohit is a fantastic player. Players experience periods of poor form. The crucial factor is how well he recovers from this, and if he does, he will undoubtedly emerge stronger,’ he concluded.
