Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist praised Virat Kohli for his well-rounded performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test series. Despite Kohli’s relatively modest numbers, Gilchrist, 53, described him as a “complete package” and rated him 7.5 out of 10 for his ability to draw attention to the game.
Kohli, 36, had a subdued series overall, except for an unbeaten century in Perth. He accumulated 190 runs across nine innings at an average of 23.75, with all eight dismissals coming off edges while playing outside the off-stump.
Gilchrist shared his thoughts in a YouTube video on ‘Club Prairie Fire’ (23:45):
“We did say that, he’s an all-rounder package, he brings eyeballs to the game. So, yeah 7.5/10.”
During the same discussion, former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed similar views, highlighting how Kohli captivated the audience throughout the five-match series. He remarked:
“He [Virat Kohli] brought the barge, sandpaper, geed up the crowd. He’s probably run at Konstas faster than I’ve seen anybody run at player in history of the game. I’m gonna give him a 7/10 for the entertainment that Virat Kohli brings.”
Vaughan and Gilchrist also heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah, who was named Player of the Series for his outstanding 32-wicket haul in nine innings. Vaughan referred to the pacer as the ‘GOAT,’ stating (26:33):
“10/10, Well, he is good as Gilly called him. The greatest sportsman of all time.”
Meanwhile, Gilchrist praised India’s T20 World Cup-winning star, asserting that Bumrah could have dismantled legendary batter Don Bradman at his prime. He remarked:
“I’m not rating him, no number befitting what he is in world sport. I’m beyond [trinity], seriously. He would have ripped on Bradman’s peak in the matter of balls. It would have been much further south of 99 [average] that he sits at [if they faced each other]. I would give Donald 35 out of Bumrah. You cannot have a reward that’s high enough for him.”
Earlier, former England batter Kevin Pietersen praised Kohli for “bringing drama to the stage in Australia.” He shared this on X during the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia in Melbourne:
“Virat creating theatre down under! Let’s GO! Imagine how boring it would be without the showman! And he’s earned EVERYTHING with his runs over his career! Many would end their successful international careers with a 1/4 of what he’s achieved….”
Virat creating theatre down under! Let’s GO!
Imagine how boring it would be without the showman! And he’s earned EVERYTHING with his runs over his career!
Many would end their successful international careers with a 1/4 of what he’s achieved….— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) December 27, 2024
“He’s A Player I’d Want In The Team” – Michael Vaughan Praises Virat Kohli’s Former IPL Teammate
In the same video, Michael Vaughan praised Mohammed Siraj for his unwavering commitment to the team, despite falling short of Bumrah’s performance in the series. The 50-year-old commented (28:10):
“I like Siraj, the sendoff [to Travis Head] was great. He got booed at every venue. He just brings in great drama. He’s created that spice for the series. 8.5, I think he’s a player I want in the team. He just runs in all day.”
Gilchrist also commended Siraj for his performance, stating:
“Love him, love for everything that he brought.”
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