Virat Kohli is a wonderful person and ideal replacement for MS Dhoni : Farokh Engineer
Former cricketer Farokh Engineer has praised Virat Kohli after the latter gifted him the bat with which he scored his 1st Test double century. The 78-year-old, who was present in Port of Spain to witness India's 4th Test against West Indies, has also applauded Wriddhiman Saha for his performances.
"I'm very proud of Virat Kohli. He has presented me with this bat (with which Kohli scored 200 against West Indies in the first Test). I never asked for it but he gave it to me as a mark of respect.
"Myself, Sir Gary Sobers and Sir Everton Weekes were upstairs (at the Queen's Park Cricket Club) when we sent a message to Virat if he had a minute to spare as we wanted to say hello. He and Anil Kumble (coach) came up within two minutes. This is the type of guys they are. They have respect for former Test cricketers. I'm hugely honoured that Virat came up. He is not only a great cricketer; he is a wonderful person as well. I wish him all the best. He is the ideal successor to MS Dhoni who is also my buddy," Engineer told TOI.
Engineer, who had played 46 Test matches for India, also recalled a cherished memory with MS Dhoni. He said, "When Dhoni introduced his wife to me, he told her 'This is Farokh Engineer. If he was still playing cricket, I would still be stamping tickets at the Ranchi railway station.' Dhoni is such a humble man."
However, the 78-year-old expressed his disappointment at the current state of affairs in West Indies, a place where he has played some of his most memorable cricket matches.
"Even Afghanistan would give them a run for their money, this West Indies team. I'm not taking away any credit away from India but West Indies cricket is in turmoil. Players like Gayle and Bravo are playing CPL and not Tests. Cricket needs West Indies and West Indies need international cricket. ICC should step in and do something," he added.
The former wicketkeeper also praised current Test keeper for India, Wriddhiman Saha, and he believes that 31-year-old will “go far”.
"I'm very impressed with Saha. He has got a lot to learn but he will go far.
“Ashwin is a great allrounder and Rahane is a fine batsman and a tremendous fielder. Indian cricket is in very good hands," he said.