Kohli the greatest ODI batsman, says Clarke
NEWDELHI: Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke believes Virat Kohli is already the “greatest ODI batsman to have ever played the game”.
The India skipper, the No 1 ranked Test and ODI batsman, led India to a historic first series triumph in Australia, in Tests and ODIS. “To me, Virat is the greatest batsman to have ever played one-day cricket. I have no doubts after seeing what he has achieved for India,” said Clarke, who led Australia to the 2015 World Cup.
Kohli, 30, has aggregated 10,385 runs in 219 ODIS — the fifth Indian to cross the 10,000 mark. He has an astounding average of 59.68 with 39 hundreds.
“You have to respect Virat’s passion to win games for his country. Yes, he has aggression but no one can question his commitment, how much he has achieved. He is the greatest in ODIS.”
India’s 2-1 ODI series win — their first bilateral series win in Australia — was highlighted by MS Dhoni’s three unbeaten fifties, the last two carrying India to victory. He has come under focus because his batting is no longer as aggressive as it used to be. Clarke though said the 37-year-old ex-india captain should be left alone.
“MS knows how to react to any given situation. He has played 300-plus ODIS so he knows how to go about his job. He hit 87 * in the final ODI at MCG, which India won in the 49th over chasing a modest 230. Would he have been as effective if the target was 330?
“I think he would have played differently. It was 230 and he had a particular strategy and it would have been different if the target would have been bigger,” Clarke said. “Look at his approach in the second game in Adelaide and the third in Melbourne. It was different.”
Dhoni batted at No 5 in the first two matches, but was promoted a slot in the final game. Kohli has said No 5 was the ideal slot for his predecessor.
Asked what should be Dhoni’s batting position in the World Cup, starting in England on May 30, Clarke said: “Any position, 4, 5 or 6. He is good enough to bat at any position and I believe Virat will use him accordingly.”
Clarke feels suspended allrounder Hardik Pandya will play a key role in the World Cup. “A talented player like Hardik is necessary for the balance of the side. He can win games alone with his batting and I am confident he will be in that World Cup squad.”
Asked if too much money was spoiling young cricketers, he said: “How much money you have earned is irrelevant because the most important thing is to earn and give respect. Respecting every individual is very important. It starts with respecting elders regardless of profession.
“Professional sportspersons are role models, recognized, and they have a responsibility. Having said that, everyone makes mistakes and one needs to move on and learn from them.”
Asked about India’s World Cup prospects, Clarke pointed to their bowling strength.
“Jasprit Bumrah is a skilful bowler who is improving every day. He continues to get better with his seam, swing, and pace. He is the best death bowler in ODIS at the moment.”
However, Clarke felt England will be a force. “England is a very good ODI side and will be hard to beat at home. Also, I would like Australia to be in the mix. Australia will get better when the frontline pacers, including Nathan Coulter-nile, come back.”