Team India head coach Rahul Dravid has said that it has been “phenomenal” for him to see the growth of current Test captain Virat Kohli and how he has evolved over the course of 10 years. The comments came one day ahead of the 1st Test against South Africa, starting on December 26.
While both Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli will play as head coach and the captain of the Indian team respectively, Dravid was a teammate of Kohli when he made his Test debut way back in 2011.
“I was there when he made his debut, batted with him in that match. It’s phenomenal 10 years later to see how he has grown as a cricketer and a person,” said Rahul Dravid in an interview on the official website of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Also Read: South Africa vs India 2021: 1st Test – Who Will Win The Match?
.@imVkohli's transformation 👏
Excitement about SA challenge 👌
Initial few months as Head Coach ☺️Rahul Dravid discusses it all as #TeamIndia gear up for the first #SAvIND Test in Centurion. 👍 👍
Watch the full interview 🎥 🔽https://t.co/2H0FlKQG7q pic.twitter.com/vrwqz5uQA8
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 25, 2021
“It has been fascinating to watch” – Rahul Dravid on Virat Kohli
However, Virat Kohli scored four runs in the first innings of his debut Test against the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, in June 2011. And, managed to score 15 in the second and in both innings.
Surprisingly, Kohli had Dravid at the other end on both occasions. While they shared a 43-run stand for the fourth wicket, Dravid won the player of the match for his 40 in the first innings and 112 in the second as well.
“Just the kind of performances he has had for India over the last 10 years, with the bat and the way he has led the team, have been terrific. In a lot of ways he has driven the culture of this team whether it be with fitness or energy or ambition. From the outside it has been fascinating to watch,” said the head coach.
“Coming into this environment, being part of it and supporting him along the way is something I am really looking forward to. He has always improved. I think he is one of those players who keeps evolving, getting better and keeps pushing himself and has had great success wherever he has played,” concluded Rahul Dravid.
Since then, Virat Kohli has amassed 7801 runs in Test cricket at an average of 50.65 with 27 centuries as well.
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