The Indian stalwart, Virat Kohli always manages to find a way to reply to his critics. In the last 8 months or so he has scored 5 centuries across the format ever since he made a comeback in the Asia Cup 2022 to reignite the comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar. Ahead of the Test century in Ahmedabad, dew doubted him, and few were indecisive, but the ardent fans believed in him, like former Sri Lanka cricketer Isuru Udana, who gave a blunt response to Kohli’s critics.
In an exclusive interaction with Hindustan Times on the sidelines of the ongoing Legends Cricket League in Doha, Udana, talked about the criticism directed at Kohli before his 75th international ton, said: “No one can be perfect for long. He is a legend, we all know that. Everyone faces failure at some point in their career. But for me he is and will remain the best.”
ALSO READ: Marcus Stoinis Reveals What Went Wrong For Australia In Mumbai ODI
Udana had shared the dressing room with Kohli during his stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, in 2020. The veteran left-arm pacer, who is playing for Asia Lions in the LLC, recalled his first meeting with the former captain and his “hero” AB de Villiers.
Isuru Udana said, “It was a different experience altogether, meeting Kohli and AB de Villiers, who is my hero. It was a huge opportunity I had and I enjoyed every bit of it. I knew Kohli before that was the first time I met him in person. He was really good to me when I went to the RCB dressing room for the first time.”
Roped in for INR 50 lakhs in the auction, Udana was added for his death-bowling prowess, but the pacer failed to do much for the team. In 10 matches that season, he picked eight wickets at an economy rate of 9.72. He was later released after that season.
The 35-year-old also gave his verdict on the present Indian bowling attack saying that in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, the combination has looked weak.
ALSO READ: Mohammed Shami Feels He Enjoys Bowling Alongside Siraj
Explaining the same, Isuru Udana said, “Yes, absolutely. Beacuse of Bumrah’s absence the team balance has been disrupted. If you analyse the last six months, this is my opinion, Bumrah has been the missing link.”