Anil Kumble all praise for Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni

Anil Kumble all praise for Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni

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Anil Kumble praised Virat Kohli’s spectacular batting performances across formats and said the 28-year-old's transformation from a promising cricketer to a world-class batsman has been brilliant. The India coach also lauded ex-India skipper MS Dhoni for his contribution to Indian cricket.

India skipper Kohli has been in stunning form this season, smashing 1,206 Test runs at an average of 86.14 this season, including four double hundreds in four consecutive Test series.

"Virat Kohli, brilliance! I think one word is very difficult [to describe him]," Kumble told PTI. "I have seen him develop from a 19-year-old, who walked into Royal Challengers [Bangalore's set-up] for the first time after he won the [Under-19] World Cup as a captain, to the transformation that you see now, it's been brilliant. To see someone that passionate, that kind of motivation and dedication he has.

"And similarly with MS , coming from Ranchi, nobody expected that someone from Ranchi would be leading the country. And the way he has led the , 10 years as a captain, it's extremely difficult.

"However, to be the Indian captain for 10 years is something unheard of and hats off to the way he conducted himself as a captain of the team. He was a perfect ambassador for the sport.

"And I don't think anything ruffled him. You could really figure out what he was thinking even when one ball and six runs were needed or if the opposition needed two runs to win and you still have an over to go. You didn't know what he was thinking, he would always go with his gut. It was amazing to win two World Cups, Champions Trophy and No 1 in Test , you can't ask for more."

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