Joe Root's Ultimate Praise For "Greatest Chaser" Virat Kohli

29.10.2023 - 07:19 sports.ndtv.com

England batter Joe Root named India's stalwart batter Virat Kohli as the "greatest chaser of all time" ahead of their upcoming clash in the World Cup on Sunday at Lucknow's Ekana stadium.

England have failed to live up to their pre-tournament billing in the ongoing World Cup as they currently sit at the bottom of the table with two points.

However, with their backs against the wall and faced with a do-or-die battle, the Three Lions will go all out to pull off a victory against the hosts.

The defending champions hold a 4-3 lead over the Men in Blue in head-to-head encounters in ODI World Cups. However, on current form, India appear to hold the upper hand going into Sunday's clash.

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India batter Virat Kohli made history on Sunday as the veteran Indian cricket team batter equalled Sachin Tendulkar's world record of scoring the highest number of centuries in ODI cricket. Kohli continued his superb form in the Cricket World Cup 2023 as he slammed his 49th century in ODI cricket during the match against South Africa. It was a superb show from Kohli on his 35th birthday as India remained the only unbeaten side in the competition. On Monday, Kohli was once again in the news as he was filmed boarding a domestic flight and his presence sent the fellow travellers into a frenzy. The travellers seated near the former India skipper identified him quickly and started taking pictures and videos inside the flight.

"Yes, Kohli Is Selfish": India Great's Sharp Retort As Pakistan Great Criticises Virat Kohli After Cricket World Cup Ton

Virat Kohli's 49th century in the Cricket World Cup 2023 match against South Africa might have brought joy to millions but there remain a few who don't agree with the approach he had en route the triple-digit score. Kohli scored 121-ball 101 as India put 326 runs on the board. On a tricky surface, South Africa could only score 83 runs in reply. But, former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez feels what he saw from Virat was a 'selfish' display of batting, something that India captain Rohit Sharma could've also done but he chose to put the team forward.

Ricky Ponting Settles All Debates With "Absolute Best Tag For Virat Kohli

After talismanic batter Virat Kohli reached a new highest on Sunday after he equalled legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries, Australia great Ricky Ponting lavished praise on former India captain and predicted even bigger things to come for right-hander at the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. With a stunning century against South Africa on his 35th birthday, Kohli equalled Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI hundreds, and the swashbuckling batter has amassed a total of 543 runs in the ongoing tournament at an average of 108.60.

"Never Going To Be As Good...": Virat Kohli's Ultimate Tribute To Sachin Tendulkar After Equalling His World Record

For Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar has always been an idol. The respect that Virat Kohli has for Sachin Tendulkar has been expressed by the former many time. "Sachin Tendulkar has been carrying the Indian cricket team for so long, it's time we carried him on our shoulders," Virat Kohli had famously said after India had won the 2011 Cricket World Cup where both of them played. Despite building his own lofty peaks, Virat Kohli remains a fan of Sachin Tendulkar.

'His Performance Has Set A Benchmark': Rahul Dravid Praises Virat Kohli On 35th Birthday

India cricket team head coach Rahul Dravid described Virat Kohli, who is celebrating his 35th birthday on Sunday, as a legend of the game and that his performance had set the benchmark for his generation of players. Former India skipper Kohli has scripted countless records in the sport across formats and continues to do so, including in the the ongoing World Cup. Speaking to ICC, Dravid said, "Virat's a legend of the game, especially (in) this format of the game. I think all formats of the game, but particularly this one (50-over), I think his performance and the way he finishes games. The standard of his performance over the years has probably set a benchmark for his generation of cricketers."

"Haemoglobin Ki Tarah...": Virender Sehwag's Special Birthday Message For Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, the star Indian cricketer turned 35 on Sunday, and the whole cricket fraternity poured him with birthday wishes starting from the former skipper's former teammates, Yuvraj Singh to Virender Sehwag. Former India opener Virender Sehwag took to his X account and wished Kohli on his 35th birthday. While wishing Sehwag wrote that century runs in Kohli's veins. Sehwag further wrote that Kohli's work ethic, passion, hard work and talent helped him to rule the game.