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India’s batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has lauded Virat Kohli ahead of his milestone 100th Test which is scheduled to start on March 4. In a video posted on bcci.tv, Tendulkar talked about the first time he heard Kohli’s name to the time Delhi-born batter talked about working on his fitness during India’s tour of Australia in 2011.
“What a terrific achievement. I remember first time I heard about you was when we were in Australia in 2007-08. You guys were playing U-19 WC in Malaysia and there were certain players in the team who were discussing about you, this is one player to watch out for, acchi batting kar leta hai. (he bats well),” Tendulkar recalled.
Kohli started his fitness transformation after an ordinary Indian Premier League (IPL) 2012 season. However, Tendulkar revealed that Kohli had been thinking about working on his fitness for a while and told him about it during India’s tour of Australia (2011-12).
"To grasp things quickly was your strength and it continued that way. In 2011, we were in Canberra, and I remember there was a Thai restaurant over there and we used to go there, for meals and walk back to hotel.
"After one such meal as we were walking back to hotel you said, Paaji bahot ho gaya, fitness pe dhyan dena hai (we need to focus on fitness). I have to say you have left no stone unturned as far fitness is concerned, and numbers are there for everyone to see,” the 48-year-old narrated the incident while praising the former Indian skipper.
Kohli has been one of the most technically sound batter of his time with great numbers to support it. He is just 38 runs away from 8,000 runs in red-ball format after 99 appearances. He has scored at an average of 50.39 and hit 27 centuries along with 28 half-centuries.
“Its been fantastic to watch you over the years. Numbers will have their roles and but your real strength is being able to motivate the whole generation," said the 48-year-old Tendulkar, who himself has played 200 Tests for India. That's been your real strength and your immense contribution to Indian cricket. That is something which I would say is your real success. Wish you many more happy cricketing years, go out and do well," the Master Blaster further added.
