Virat Kohli is ready to play his 100th Test when he steps out against Sri Lanka in Mohali at the end of February.
It is a great milestone as one of the most plentiful Test batters of his generation and a performer who has put the extensive game format above everything else.
Today, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) public a video of various of the country’s Test icons sharing their views on Kohli and his special success.
𝗗𝗢 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦!
Welcome to the 1⃣0⃣0⃣-Test club Virat Kohli 👏 👏#TeamIndia greats share their thoughts on @imVkohli's landmark Test, his achievements & the impact he's had on Indian cricket. 🔝 👍
Watch the full feature 🎥 🔽https://t.co/m135xwB2zt pic.twitter.com/gzN71BZnCn
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 2, 2022
In the video, legendary batter and all-time best run-getter in Tests — Sachin Tendulkar — reminded when Kohli was early noticed in the Indian dressing room.
“I remember, the first time I heard about you was when we were in Australia in 2007. You guys were playing the U-19 World Cup in Malaysia. That’s when there were certain players in the team who were discussing you, that this is one player to watch out for. Achchi batting Karta hai (he bats well),” Tendulkar said.
He went on to say:
“After that, we played cricket together for India. Not for long, but whatever time we spent together, it was evident that you were good at learning things. You wanted to keep working on your game and continue getting better.”
Tendulkar called him a “terrific role model” and pointed out one of his greatest contributions to Indian cricket.
“You’ve been a terrific role model as far as fitness is concerned. But your real strength is that you’ve been able to motivate the next generation. That’s your immense contribution to Indian cricket,” Tendulkar said.
“Success he can be very proud of” – Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly congratulate Virat Kohli
Team India head coach Rahul Dravid and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly also spoke in the video and congratulated Virat Kohli on a “fantastic achievement.”
“It’s not easy to play 100 Test matches. Test cricket is not easy. To be able to play one is great, to be able to play 100 is a fantastic achievement. It is an achievement Virat Kohli can be very proud of,” Dravid said.
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and team India head coach Rahul Dravid also spoke in the video and congratulated Virat Kohli on a “fantastic success.”
“It’s not easy to play 100 Test matches. Test cricket is not easy. To be able to play one is great, to be able to play 100 is a fantastic achievement. It is an achievement Virat Kohli can be very proud of,” Dravid said.
“I think he’s sort of really carried this team for a long time. He has been the captain for the last 5-6 years. He has always delivered. He averages above 50 after 100 Test matches. It’s a great achievement for one of India’s greatest players,” Dravid said.
He also backed Virat to have a much longer and great career and said he won’t just be satisfied with playing 100 Tests.
Sourav Ganguly, a former India captain himself, said:
“Virat’s had a great journey. Starting 10-11 years ago and getting to where he has reached today is an exceptional achievement,” he said.
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