Shane Warne Made A Big Statement About Virat Kohli’s Captaincy: Just-concluded India vs England Test series was nothing short of spectacular – filled with a lot of drama, entertainment, and thrill, however, the final clash was canceled after the Indian players couldn’t take the field on Friday, following a COVID-19 outbreak in the Indian contingent.
The cricket fraternity has been divided into two parts with several former cricketers and pundits taking sides. Many England cricketers are criticizing the Indian board, citing that the upcoming IPL 2021 is the reason behind the cancellation of the Test.
Amidst all this, legendary cricketer Shane Warne has heaped praises on the Indian side and skipper Virat Kohli and has shed light on the positive factors while talking about the match. Shane Warne explained how it’s unfortunate that the series finale got canceled. He also hailed the Indian cricket team for the outstanding cricket they played. He said:
“I just feel a bit robbed. I feel this series has been absolutely outstanding. I take my hat off to India with the cricket they played. I think both sides have played in the right spirits. So I think we all feel a little bit robbed that this Test match didn’t go ahead. If they were in the middle of a Test match or delayed it by a couple of days, that means the flow-on effect with the IPL and everything else is going to be thrown into chaos so I’m not sure they are left with any other option,” Warne said on Sky Cricket.
The series was interestingly poised 2-1 in favor of India. Though there were plenty of positives for both sides, but especially for India as they made solid comebacks in the second and fourth Test match. As per Shane Warne, Virat Kohli-led team India gave a complete performance. He said:
“I feel for the players. Both sides were up for it and I can tell that by the way the series has been played. This Test series meant a lot to both sides. India left the series 2-1. Being the No. 1 Test side was their goal. They wanted to beat England in England… in swinging and seaming conditions with the Dukes ball. So, they sort of felt like they ticked every box. They would have liked to go out on a high,”
At last, Shane Warne thanked Virat Kohli and also the Indian side for pushing the Test format and proving out to be a great advert for the longest format of the game. He also went on to shower praises on the Indian side they played last year, with remarkable wins in Australia as well. He thanked.He said:
“I saw India first hand this year in Australia play some amazing Test cricket. Just remember… they got bowled out for 36 in the first Test match and they came back and won the next. Virat Kohli went back home, they lost their captain, they had injuries. Australia hadn’t lost a Test match in Brisbane for 40 years. They chased over 300 to win. I just saw it firsthand how determined they were… how important Test cricket is. I think all of us have to say Thank You to Virat Kohli, thank you to India for pushing Test cricket,”
He added:
“In Test match cricket, over five days, the best team always wins, and I think India have been the best team in this series and I think they were the best team in Australia. So what they have achieved in the last 12 months has been absolutely outstanding and a big thank you to Virat Kohli.”
