Pathan, Kallis praise Kohli as star of IPL
VIRAT Kohli arrived at his adopted second home, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, and the talismanic India cricketer didn’t disappoint the passionate Royal Challengers Bangalore fans who turned up in large numbers to watch their team in action.
Kohli’s masterful knock along with captain Faf du Plessis and their third-century stand in IPL ensured Royal Challengers Bangalore didn’t have to break a sweat to claim an emphatic 8-wicket win over Mumbai Indians.
Former cricketers praised King Kohli for his superb knock against a high-quality Mumbai Indians bowling line-up.
Speaking on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan said: “Virat Kohli is the biggest superstar of TATA IPL. He’s shining brightly like a full moon and Indian fans can’t be happier.
He’s started this season on a positive note. Runs were not coming from his bat last year, he was getting out in the most unlucky of fashions, but he did not stop. The fans kept faith in him and he’s paying back. There can be no bigger news than Virat Kohli’s return to form for RCB.”
The match-up between Kohli and Jofra Archer was one of the talking points ahead of the game.
The Indian batting superstar ended up victorious in round one by not getting dismissed to the speed merchant from England.
“Virat once again showed why he is a great player. He sets milestones just like Sachin Tendulkar used to do. Virat’s victory in the battle against Jofra Archer is the victory of Indian cricket,” Pathan said.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif lauded Kohli and his quick running between the wickets with Du Plessis and claimed it should be a lesson for young cricketers.
Speaking on Star Sports, Kaif said: “Virat’s running between the wickets is a lesson for new players. When a 34-year-old player runs like this in between the wickets, it proves how hard he works on his fitness.”
Former South Africa cricketer Jacques Kallis also praised Kohli for his aggressive batting in the opening game against Archer.
“Virat Kohli brings a lot of positive energy into the team. He feeds off the energy of the spectators. His consistency with the bat at the top will help RCB go a long way in this competition. And the way he stamped his authority over Jofra Archer was incredible.”