Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, have always aimed high for their team. Despite their differences, their passion for the game is undeniable. Both captains, in their respective tenures, strived for the pinnacle. Under Ganguly’s leadership from 2000 to 2005, Indian cricket saw a transformation. Similarly, Kohli, leading from 2015 to 2021, kept the momentum going. Differences aside, Ganguly came forward to support Kohli recently. The reason? Shoaib Akhtar‘s comments on Kohli’s future in the sport.
The Pakistani speedster opined that Kohli should exit ODIs and T20Is. Akhtar’s reasoning focused on prolonging Kohli’s Test career. By leaving the shorter formats, Akhtar believed, Kohli could focus on Tests. The ultimate aim? Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 centuries record. “Limiting to Tests could help Kohli break Sachin’s record,” Akhtar asserted on ‘Backstage with Boria’.
“I don’t think he should play more 50-overs matches after this World Cup. Also, if you see him in T20s, it takes a lot out of him. I think he should play for at least six more years and break the 100 hundreds record of Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli has it in him to break the record. He should focus on Test cricket after this World Cup, and break this record,” Akhtar said on the show ‘Backstage with Boria‘ on Thursday.
Sourav Ganguly Gave A Befitting Reply Shoaib Akhtar On Virat Kohli’s “Retirement”
Sourav Ganguly, however, responded fiercely to this idea later that day. He ardently defended Kohli’s choices, questioning Akhtar’s logic. “Kohli should decide his cricketing path. His performances speak volumes,” Ganguly retorted at a Denver event.
“Why? Virat Kohli should play whatever cricket he wants to play. Because he performs,” Ganguly said in a mic-drop moment on the sidelines of a Denver event where he was announced as the ‘Brand Face.’
Now, delving into Kohli’s Test achievements, the numbers are impressive. Among modern players, he’s truly a giant. However, his ODI records overshadow his Test accolades. With 8676 runs from 11 Tests, he ranks fifth in all-time high scorers. Legends like Tendulkar, Dravid, Gavaskar, and Laxman are ahead of him. He proudly holds 29 centuries and an average of 49.29 in Tests. Moreover, his ICC Test Player of the Year award in 2018 solidifies his stature.
Switching gears to ODIs, Kohli’s stats are even more captivating. Once again, he’s the fifth-highest run-scorer, with cricketing greats ahead of him. Tendulkar, Sangakkara, Ponting, and Jayasuriya lead the list. However, given Kohli’s current form, he might soon surpass Jayasuriya and Ponting. With just 532 runs to beat Jayasuriya and 806 for Ponting, the 2023 World Cup might witness these milestones.
While Akhtar’s words stirred the pot, they also brought to light Kohli’s incredible achievements. Ganguly, as always, stood up for his fellow cricketer, highlighting the essence of playing by one’s own terms. Whether Kohli decides to heed Akhtar’s advice or continues blazing his own trail, his commitment to the game remains unparalleled. And as the World Cup 2023 unfolds, all eyes will be on him, waiting for the next record-breaking moment.
