India’s second Test against the West Indies witnessed a historic moment as Virat Kohli played his 500th international game, entering the record books once again on the second day by scoring his 76th international century. Notably, he became the first player to achieve this feat of scoring a century in his 500th international match.
The cricketing world showered praise on India’s batting maestro, with West Indies legend Courtney Walsh heaping ultimate admiration on Virat Kohli. In Walsh’s esteemed opinion, Kohli is second only to the iconic Sachin Tendulkar among Indian cricket greats. Walsh also ranked a few other legendary players, ultimately placing Kohli in his top five overall.
From a West Indian perspective, Walsh elevated Brian Lara and Viv Richards to high esteem. He also spoke highly of Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh, two cricketing gentlemen he had the opportunity to play against as a young cricketer. Additionally, he acknowledged the contributions of Graham Gooch from England and Javed Miandad, who may not have played as many matches but left an indelible mark on the game with their steadfastness at the crease. Drawing parallels to these cricketing stalwarts, Walsh appreciated Kohli’s determination and his reluctance to give up his wicket, making him one of the greatest cricketers he has ever seen.
During his captaincy of the Indian team, Walsh had the opportunity to have a conversation with Kohli. He vividly remembers the passion Kohli exuded for the game and his unwavering desire to leave a lasting legacy in cricket. Kohli’s drive to excel in everything he does was evident during their chat. He was open to seeking advice from anyone who could contribute to his growth as a cricketer. This determination, according to Walsh, was what ultimately led to Kohli’s extraordinary achievement of being a dominant force in the world of cricket.
As Kohli continues to inspire awe with his remarkable performances, his name etches deeper into the annals of cricket history, solidifying his position among the sport’s elite.
