NEWS
Follow UsIt has been over two years since India batter Virat Kohli scored an international century. At one point, it looked like he would easily surpass Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100 centuries, but with each dismissal, his chances of doing so are getting minute.
With Kohli no longer captain in any format, former Australia spinner Shane Warne reckons that it is a perfect time for Kohli to show why he is the best batter in the world.
"There is just so much expectation. It’s so difficult to be captain of India in all forms of the game and then play the IPL as well. Everyone looks for him to comment, to be the leader so I’m looking forward to watching Virat bat now," Warne told Hindustan Times in an interaction.
"Get someone else to take the captaincy, let someone else do all that and allow Virat getting back to being the best in the world. I'm really looking forward to that"
Like many, Warne was also surprised with Kohli's decision to step down as Test captain but believes that it could bring the best out of him as a batter.
"I was a little surprised like everyone. Virat has been a wonderful captain for India but it’s also very tough with the expectations of over a billion people. It’s going to be really tough for him… I don't think anyone could captain India for a long period of time in all forms of the game and continue to bat at a higher level," Warne, the second-highest wicket-taker in Tests said.
"So I think it's a great opportunity now for Virat to go back and prove to himself and everyone why he is the best batter in the world. And hope he can concentrate on his batting and start making hundreds in all forms of the game again. I hope that’s what happens. He has inspired his teammates. India have played a fantastic brand of cricket and let's hope that continues."
Under Kohli, India lost the Test series in South Africa 2-1 and under the leadership of KL Rahul in ODIs, the Indian team suffered a 3-0 clean sweep. Kohli scored fifties in two of those three ODI knocks.