Former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt has lauded Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who completed 13 years in international cricket on Wednesday. Virat Kohli made his international debut in a one-day match against Sri Lanka in 2008. Since then, the right-hander has scored over 22000 International runs at an average of 55.40, including 70 centuries.
Speaking about the Indian skipper, in a video uploaded on Salman Butt’s Youtube Channel, the former Pakistan cricketer asserted that Kohli is a sporting icon.
What a game of cricket 👌
Everyone stepping up, love the commitment and attitude. Way to go boys 🇮🇳 💪 pic.twitter.com/hSgmxkLiiP— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 16, 2021
Salman Butt said:
“A new era began in Indian cricket the day Virat Kohli made his international debut. The way he has proved himself to the world as a cricketer over the last 13 years, he is a sporting icon. The way he has transformed himself and his commitment to the game has been exemplary. He has been outstanding, something never seen before. He hasn’t been scored a hundred in the last two years… Imagine the kind of impact he has made on Indian cricket.”
Salman Butt further added that Virat Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket will be felt even after he has left. He termed the current phase of the Indian team under the leadership of Virat Kohli as the “golden age of Indian cricket”.
“When he chases targets, he has an average of 90 and a strike rate of over 100, and a great success rate. His gestures are very clear to the opposition. But he is an inspiration for all the youngsters. Kohli has built the kind of reputation some cricketers earn at the end of their careers. This era of Indian cricket is lucky to have Kohli. The impact of Kohli on Indian cricket will be felt even after he moves on. I would say this is the golden age of Indian cricket,” Salman Butt concluded.
The third Test between India and England will be played at Headingley in Leeds, starting August 25.