Virat Kohli is showing how much he cares about India becoming the best team in the world, says Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke believes that Virat Kohli's focus to do well in his county stint shows how passionate he is towards making India the best Test team. However, he was surprised by Kohli’s decision to miss the Afghanistan Test as he felt playing for one's country should always be the first priority.
Australia’s World Cup-winning captain Michael Clarke has stated that he was surprised by Virat Kohli’s decision to miss the Afghanistan Test in order to play county cricket for Surrey to prepare for the England tour. Clarke felt that playing for the country must be given number 1 priority.
"Look I am really surprised. I don't know that's Virat's choice but I am really surprised. I think a Test match is a Test match. I don't care who you are playing against, it needs to be number one priority," Clarke said in an interactive session at the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Young Leaders Forum (YLF).
Clarke also felt that Kohli could have played the Test as there would be a gap in his county stint, which he could have used to fly back to India to play the Afghan Test.
"I still feel Virat can get what he wants in terms of coming and playing some games for Surrey and then I would like to see him fly back and play the Test match. I think there is a bit of a gap in the schedule which will allow him to do that. I think there are some one-dayers which he would be missing for Surrey," he said.
"In my whole career, I prioritized my country. I gave up every other opportunity to play for whatever franchise or other teams. To represent your country is the most special thing in the world. Whatever team you play against, I think that should be the No. 1 priority," added Michael Clarke
Kohli has officially signed a deal with Surrey earlier this month, which was publicly backed by CoA chief Vinod Rai. After managing just 134 runs in the 5 Tests against England in 2014 Kohli is determined to do well this time around in English conditions. Hailing Virat's decision to play county, Clarke stated that it showed Kohli’s determination to make India best team in the world.
"Virat is showing how much he cares about India becoming the best team in the world. The fact that he is going and playing county cricket is setting a clear message to his teammates, to England and everyone around the world that he wants India to have a successful tour of the UK and wants to lead from the front," he said.
"It will be fantastic preparation for him and also shows his determination. It shows not only how hungry he is to perform individually but how much he wants India to have success," he added.
Clarke also pointed out that despite the woeful run of RCB, Kohli has been batting good and is currently number 5 in the list of highest run-getters. "He is batting beautifully, RCB is losing but he is I think No.5 in the highest run-getters list in the IPL."
The RCB skipper is fifth in the leading scorers' list with 396 runs from 10 games at an impressive average of 49.50. Clarke has also rated India as one of the favorites going into the World Cup, as he thought the team has match-winners to turn the matches in their favor.
"India will go into the World Cup as one of the favorites. The experience of the players will play a part. They have some wonderful spinners. India
Clarke also pointed out that the IPL has many Indian captains and that is a huge advantage.
"What it means is when India select their 11 players or 15 players for the squad, you are assured some of those players will use their leadership experience into the Indian setup and that's what you want," the former Australian skipper pointed out.