As an Indian great, I would rate Virat Kohli just behind...': Former West Indies Legend Courtney Walsh
Virat Kohli was unbeaten on 87 [AP Photo]
Former captain Virat Kohli became the fourth Indian player to feature in 500 international matches when the Delhi-born took the field against West Indies on Thursday in the ongoing second Test in Trinidad.
Kohli celebrated his milestone match by striking a well-earned 50, helping India near the 300-run mark by the end of the play, stitching a 106-run stand with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Former West Indies pacer Courtney Walsh, who terrorised batters during his playing days, rated Kohli just behind former India batter Sachin Tendulkar, with whom the tall bowler had a fierce rivalry.
Speaking to Jio Cinema, Walsh, who once held the record for most Test wickets, also spoke about where Kohli stands as compared to other international batters, who have come up against the Windies' fast bowler.
Here's what Walsh said
"Well, as an Indian great, I would rate him just behind Sachin. Sachin is one of the greatest I have seen and played against. Brian Lara, Viv Richards, I will put them up from a West Indian point of view. Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh.
Two gentleman I played when I was a youngster Graham Gooch from England and Javed Miandad, who probably did not as much games. But the value they put on their wickets reminded me of Virat Kohli as well, he doesn't want to go. So I will definitely have him in my top 4, top 5 greatest cricketers I have seen,"
A modern-day batting maestro, Kohli has slammed 8,642 Tests, 12,898 ODI, and 4,008 T20Is for India since making his debut in 2008.
Walsh further revealed a conversation he had with Kohli during his time as West Indies selector, stating how the Indian batter wanted to learn from former greats and improve.