West Indies cricketing legend Brian Lara showered praises on Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, applauding his unwavering dedication and commitment to the sport. Addressing the Tiger Pataudi Memorial Lecture in Kolkata, Lara lauded Kohli’s exemplary conduct, citing his stellar performances in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as a testament to his character and work ethic.
Lara expressed such admiration for Kohli that he would urge his own son to emulate the Indian batter’s remarkable qualities if he were to pursue a sporting career. Deeply impressed by Kohli’s batting brilliance, Lara acknowledged the significance of Kohli’s excellence within the team dynamics, emphasizing the importance of personal achievements in team sport.
“I have a son and I can tell you that if my son has to play any sport, I will be using Kohli’s commitment and dedication to not just add to his strength, but whatever it takes to become a Number one sportsman,” Brian Lara asserted.
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Brian Lara further explained, “Team sport is about winning and you, as an individual player, have to have that as your No.1 target. But a subsidiary of team success is individual success, and this is what Kohli has given India match after match throughout the World Cup.”
Kohli’s phenomenal performance in the World Cup 2023 was indeed a spectacle to behold. Amassing a staggering 765 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average of 95.62, Kohli etched his name in the annals of cricket history. His feats included becoming the first player to reach 50 ODI centuries, surpassing Tendulkar’s record for most runs in a single World Cup edition, and achieving the highest number of fifty-plus scores.
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Lara also commended Kohli’s transformative impact on the sport, particularly in terms of preparation and discipline. “What impresses me most about Kohli is his true legacy, for he has changed the face of cricket and how you prepare for the game. The discipline that he has stands out, always,” Brian Lara concluded.
Kohli’s legacy undoubtedly extends beyond his runs and centuries. His unwavering dedication, commitment, and discipline have set a benchmark for aspiring cricketers worldwide. Lara’s admiration for Kohli serves as a powerful endorsement of the Indian skipper’s impact on the sport and his role as an inspiration to the next generation of cricketers.
