• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Kohli Will Be Remembered Ian Chapells Remembrance 0F Virat Kohli Ahead Of Asia Cup 2023

'Kohli Will be Remembered...': Ian Chapell's Remembrance 0f Virat Kohli Ahead of Asia Cup 2023

image-lluuqi4vVirat Kohli [Twitter]

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell recently shared his profound admiration for Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli, reflecting on a particular extraordinary performance that distinguishes him from his peers.

Virat Kohli stands as an emblem of this generation's cricket excellence, a fact echoed by his remarkable achievements. Throughout his career, he has showcased breathtaking innings that leave fans in awe. Deciding which among these exceptional performances stands out the most can be a daunting task, given the sheer brilliance he has consistently displayed.

However, one standout chapter in Kohli's career was etched during the 2014 Australian tour when he unleashed his inner beast mode in the face of challenging conditions, carrying his team's hopes single-handedly. The first Test of the series saw Kohli deliver two extraordinary innings that nearly secured a victory for India.

In the initial innings, Kohli crafted a determined knock of 115 runs, bringing India tantalizingly close to Australia's total of 517. Undeterred by the task, he once again took charge while chasing a target of 364 runs. His exceptional innings of 141 runs came agonizingly close to steering India to victory, falling short by a mere 48 runs.

Writing about Kohli’s greatness, Chappell wrote for ESPNCricinfo, 

"In 2012, with the evergreen Tendulkar still plying his trade, Kohli showed glimpses of his talent, also at the WACA ground, with a promising 44 and 75. His skillful batting against a good Australian pace attack hinted at his talent, and when he then followed it with an excellent century in Adelaide, while others around him failed, it was widely accepted he would be the next outstanding Indian batter."

Chappell went on to highlight the defining moment that solidified Kohli's exceptional skill.

"Despite Kohli's amazing record and his strong leadership, it was that second-innings century in Adelaide in 2014 that cemented his undoubted skill. He hit 16 fours and one six and scored at the superb rate of 80 runs per 100 balls on a pitch that suited Nathan Lyon's sharp-turning off-breaks. Kohli's ability to successfully play the cover drive - the toughest shot for a right-hander on a turning pitch - was exceptional and severely frustrated Australia's charge for victory."

Ian Chappell concluded by acknowledging that while Virat Kohli's career is adorned with countless remarkable knocks, the Adelaide innings hold a special place in his heart. He expressed:

"Kohli will be remembered for many exceptional feats as both a batter and successful captain. However, for me, it was those two innings at Adelaide Oval, especially the second one, that left a lasting impression of his extraordinary skill." 

When it comes to Kohli, his record in the Asia Cup is nothing short of remarkable. With a combined participation of 19 matches across both ODI and T20I formats, Kohli's presence has left a lasting impact. Specifically in the ODI format, he has amassed an impressive total of 613 runs, boasting an average of 61.30.