Former India cricketer S Sreesanth referred to Virat Kohli as a “professor” when examining his superb batting skills in the current 2023 World Cup. Sreesanth praised Kohli’s pursuit planning and leadership abilities.
Kohli is now the second-highest run-scorer in the 2023 World Cup. In five innings, he has hit 354 runs with an average of 118 and a strike rate of 90.54. Aside from his century against Bangladesh, he has scores of 85, 55*, and 95 against Australia, Afghanistan, and New Zealand, respectively. The 34-year-old’s only defeat came against Pakistan, when he was removed for 16.
Sreesanth, speaking to Sportskeeda, lauded Virat Kohli for being unselfish against the Kiwis and aiming to end with a six despite reaching his century.
“Virat means victory. No praise is too high for him. He completely deserved that hundred, but he was selfless. There were so many balls left, but he wanted to hit a six and finish the game. Unfortunately, he couldn’t finish with a hundred, but the way he is batting in this World Cup, he is not looking in any hurry.”
S Sreesanth
Kohli, according to the 40-year-old, has been playing deliveries on merit in the 2023 World Cup, offering respect where it is due, which is one of the primary reasons for his consistency.
“He is the chase master for sure, but the way he is planning in every game, I will call him Professor Virat Kohli. We refer to Suryakumar as mathematician in T20Is because of the way he calculates while batting. Similarly, Kohli should be referred to as Professor Virat Kohli. His leadership quality level is of a different level. He played every ball on merit, giving respect to it when needed. He has played some brilliant shots.”
S Sreesanth
Kohli hit eight fours and two sixes in his bat against New Zealand as the Men in Blue pursued 274 to claim their first ICC victory against the Kiwis since 2003.
Sreesanth jokes about delaying bowling to Kohli
Sreesanth, who is commentating on the 2023 World Cup, was asked how he would bowl to Kohli given his current form. He answered, sarcastically:
“In the commentary box, I was asked – if I was bowling to him, what delivery would I bowl. I replied that I would have told the captain, ‘give me the ball after some time’. Watching him bat even as an opposition player… lots of respect to Virat.”
S Sreesanth
Kohli will be back in action on Sunday when India takes on England at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
