Kohli sings praises of ‘energetic’ Marnus
VIRAT Kohli says Marnus Labuschagne is “like a bunny running around” with the India captain blown away by the batsman’s boundless energy and positive body language.
Labuschagne’s 46 and 54 at No.4 locked the Test revelation into Australia’s ODI line-up as one of the shining lights from the 2-1 series loss.
Captain Aaron Finch praised Labuschagne’s maturity, while Kohli went an extra step by revealing his team had privately discussed what an amazing prospect the cricket nuffie was.
“He’s very sure of what he wants to do,” Kohli said.
“Again, body language, intent, he’s there, he’s running hard between the wickets, he wants the ball, he wants to be in the important positions in the field.
“He’s got the right mindset to be a consistent player and to be a top player in the world for a while.”
Labuschagne will be a key wicket for India in next summer’s Test series in Australia.
Finch said Labuschagne had not received enough exposure in T20 cricket although Kohli was certain he would become a three-format force.
“He’s shown that in Test cricket, he’s shown that in oneday cricket.
“I’m sure if he plays T20 cricket, he’ll show the same clarity there as well,” Kohli said.
“He looks like a complete team man.
“So, against guys like that, you need to have total clarity and not back off, because if a guy brings that kind of clarity, it can really put the bowlers under pressure if you’re not up to the mark.
“He’s like a bunny running around.
“He’s got a lot of energy and he’s always running around.”