Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof feels the upcoming ODI World Cup will be Virat Kohli if he continues his good form. Kohli was at his best against Sri Lanka as he scored two centuries in the three-match ODI series against the visitors.
Kohli scored a magnum opus knock of 166 runs in the third game as he played at the top of his game. This was Kohli’s 46th century in the 50-overs format as he once delivered for the team and helped India post a gargantuan score of 390 runs.
The talisman scored a total of 283 runs in three matches of the series at an average of 141.50 and a strike rate of 137.38 and thus he was awarded the Player of the Series. It is well known that Kohli is a force to reckon with in the ODI format and the teams will have their work cut in the ODI World Cup if the right-hander can keep up the good show.
Kohli has been a consistent performer for the team and he is going to hold the key for India in the upcoming World Cup.
Farveez Maharoof said on ESPN Cricinfo, “If (Lionel) Messi is the GOAT of football, it’s Kohli in cricket. The script is written nicely for 2023 – World Cup at home. He won it in 2011. This is his World Cup as well if he continues his good form. The way he paces his innings and understands situations, I don’t think anyone in the world does any better than that.”
On the other hand, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer also showered praise on Virat Kohli for his ominous form in the recent past.
“It’s a World Cup year and Virat Kohli in this kind of form is big news. Australia are also coming for such an important series (the Border-Gavaskar Trophy).”
Jaffer heaped praise on Kohli for working hard on his game in the practice sessions and bouncing back strongly after a rough patch in the last couple of seasons.
“Kohli’s form is no surprise. He had a three-year lean patch. But he’s one of those guys who puts in effort behind the scenes with his work ethic. He works intensely hard, whether it’s in the gym or in training. For those guys who put in so much effort, the results are bound to come. When it comes, it comes like this.”
India will next face New Zealand in the three-match ODI series, starting on 18th January.
