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With a century drought which loomed over three years, not many thought Virat Kohli would belt a ton in a format that he had never. Heading into the Asia Cup 2022, many experts questioned Kohli's selection but the batting juggernaut answered his critics in style with a sensational century in the tournament. Virat returned with some fine knocks in T20 World Cup 2023 as well and then followed it up by ending his ODI century drought with a robust ton against Bangladesh in the ODI series in December. The run machine didn't stop there and started the 2023 on the same note and went on to score a couple of ODI tons against New Zealand to take his century tally to 74. While Virat answered his critics in limited overs, the focus shifted to the longest format. Heading into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Virat had a Test century drought of more than three years and like the many occasions, he answered everyone questioning him in the fourth Test against Australia and smashed a daddy hundred in Ahmedabad. While success brings doubters, it also brings people that believe you. One such person in Virat's life is former Sri Lanka cricketer Isuru Udana, who has given a blunt response to Kohli's critics.
In an interaction with Hindustan Times during the ongoing Legends Cricket League (LLC) in Doha, Udana said, "No one can be perfect for long. He is a legend, we all know that. Everyone faces failure at some point in their career. But for me, he is and will remain the best."
Having played all his IPL seasons with RCB, Virat has been a consistent name for the Bangalore setup. Udana who played an only season in IPL shared the dressing room with the former Indian captain in 2020. The veteran left-arm pacer, who is playing for Asia Lions in the LLC, recalled his first interaction with Virat and his "hero" AB de Villiers. "It was a different experience altogether, meeting Kohli and AB de Villiers, who is my hero. It was a huge opportunity I had and I enjoyed every bit of it. I knew Kohli before that was the first time I met him in person. He was good to me when I went to the RCB dressing room for the first time," he said.
Udana was included in the RCB squad for strengthening Bangalore's death bowling woes. Roped in for 50 lakhs, Udana failed to make an impact on the big stage. Of the 10 matches he featured, the Sri Lankan picked up 8 wickets but had a woeful economy rate of 9.72. Following a poor season, RCB released the pacer in the next edition.
The 35-year-old also gave his verdict on the present Indian bowling attack and reflected on how the absence of Jasprit Bumrah has weakened India's bowling line-up. He said, "Yes, absolutely. Because of Bumrah's absence the team balance has been disrupted. If you analyse the last six months, this is my opinion, Bumrah has been the missing link."
