In anticipation of the IPL 2024, scheduled to commence on March 22 and exclusively available on JioCinema, cricket pundits Anil Kumble, Mike Hesson, Eoin Morgan, and Robin Uthappa shared insights on Virat Kohli’s T20 legacy, his on-field persona, and his evolution as a cricketer.
Reflecting on Kohli’s legacy, Kumble emphasized his remarkable consistency, tracing back to their time together at RCB where Kohli kickstarted his T20 journey post his U-19 World Cup triumph. Kumble highlighted Kohli’s transformation in fitness, his aggressive playing style, and his unwavering intensity, which significantly impacts team dynamics, especially in T20 cricket.
Hesson delved into Kohli’s off-field demeanour, describing him as remarkably calm and approachable, especially towards newcomers and overseas players. Beyond his captaincy role, Kohli’s genuine interest in connecting with his teammates on a personal level stood out, fostering a supportive team environment beyond cricket discussions.
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Uthappa shed light on the experience of facing Kohli on the field, noting that while it wasn’t daunting, it was undeniably challenging and at times, even irritating. He said, “Playing against Virat isn’t daunting as much as it is annoying. As an opposition, he could be grating, in your face all the time.”
He added, “You’d always feel like there’s a battle happening with a bowler but there’s an extra battle happening with an extra-cover fielder because he’s coming at you all the time. He’s throwing the ball and it’s whizzing past your head. You feel that pressure all the time.”
Morgan lauded Kohli as one of the greatest modern-era cricketers across all formats, emphasizing the pivotal role he plays in elevating team performance. Morgan stressed the importance of continually challenging Kohli to extract the best from him, citing his immense talent and the inspiration he provides to his teammates.
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These expert insights underscore Kohli’s multifaceted impact on the game, from his exceptional batting prowess to his leadership qualities and his ability to inspire and uplift his team. As the IPL 2024 unfolds, cricket enthusiasts can expect to witness Kohli’s indelible mark on the tournament, both on and off the field.
