Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is set to play in his 500th international match on Thursday, a milestone that has garnered praise from India’s head coach Rahul Dravid. Dravid commended Kohli for his impressive achievements and work ethic, describing him as an inspiration to many cricketers.
Kohli will join an exclusive list of Indian players, including Sachin Tendulkar, Dravid himself, and MS Dhoni, who have reached the milestone of 500 international matches. The second and final Test against the West Indies, which begins at Queen’s Park Oval, will mark this significant occasion for Kohli.
On the eve of the Test, Dravid expressed his admiration for Kohli, highlighting his impressive statistics and the impact he has had on both his teammates and cricket fans in India. Dravid also mentioned that he had observed Kohli’s journey from his early days in the team, and has been impressed by his continuous achievements throughout his career.
Dravid further emphasized that Kohli’s longevity and success in all formats of the game can be attributed to his hard work and sacrifices behind the scenes. The coach mentioned that he was not aware that this would be Kohli’s 500th game, but appreciated the efforts the player puts in when no one is watching, as it serves as an inspiration to young cricketers.
Kohli, who made his ODI debut in 2008, has come a long way since then. He has played in 274 ODIs, 115 T20Is, and 110 Tests. He holds records for having over 4000 runs in T20Is and being the fifth-highest run-scorer in ODI history. Kohli’s impressive statistics reflect his commitment to the sport and his ability to perform consistently.
Dravid expressed his belief that Kohli shows no signs of slowing down and praised his fitness and energy on the field. The former captain acknowledged that achieving 500 games requires hard work, discipline, and adaptability, qualities that Kohli has clearly demonstrated throughout his career.
Reflecting on their relationship, Dravid mentioned that he and Kohli traveled to the West Indies together in 2011 as part of the Indian Test team. However, it is in recent times that they have grown closer, working together with a common goal for Indian cricket. Dravid expressed his enjoyment in getting to know Kohli on a personal level and the learning opportunities their interactions have provided.
In conclusion, Kohli’s upcoming 500th international match is truly a remarkable milestone that highlights his dedication, hard work, and achievements in cricket. Dravid’s admiration for Kohli’s accomplishments and praise for his work ethic further underscore the impact Kohli has had on Indian cricket and the inspiration he provides to aspiring cricketers.