Virat Kohli has come under a fair amount of criticism in recent weeks for his patchy form during the crucial 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, in a superlative compliment, former Australia opener and current Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) coach Justin Langer has stated that he would choose Virat Kohli over any other batsman in the history of cricket if he had to choose someone to bat for his life. Yes, even before icons like Sachin Tendulkar or Brian Lara.
During his commentary on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Langer praised Kohli to the moon.
“There were a few raised eyebrows, but he (Virat Kohli) is actually the best player I have ever seen. It was one of the privileges of my life to play against Sachin Tendulkar, with Ricky Ponting and against Brian Lara. If I would have paid my last rupee or my last dollar to see Brian Lara bat. But if I had my life and the last dollar on the line, I would let Virat Kohli bat for me,” Langer said.
Langer explained why he felt Kohli is the most complete cricketer ever.
“The reason I say that is not because of his extended shots, cover drives or hook shots. But because of the way he looks at the ball, runs between the wickets, his fielding, his gladiator style of leadership. His elite fitness level,” Langer said .
“His numbers speak for themselves. You can never argue with data. That's why he's the best player I've ever seen,” Langer added.
Kohli has endured an inconsistent Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series. He scored a brilliant hundred at Perth in the first Test, albeit amid good batting conditions, but failed to contribute well in any other innings.
In the fourth Test, he stitched a century stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal before a mix-up exhausted Jaiswal. Moments later, Kohli himself discovered his age-old weakness outside the stump.
Topics mentioned in this article