Virat Kohli will not be under pressure in the World Cup, says Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis is of the belief that India’s loss against Australia will not bear any effect on Virat Kohli and his team’s confidence. Kallis also talked about Kohli’s ability to break major ODI records of Sachin Tendulkar, while stating that he can go the distance if he is willing to do it.
Virat Kohli’s India had comprehensively defeated Australia and New Zealand away from home, only to suffer a surprising 3-2 ODI defeat against the Kangaroos in the reverse series. The loss had people question India’s favourites tag before going into the World Cup, but Kallis rubbished the effect of the series on the second ranked ODI team.
“I don’t think Kohli will be under pressure. He has produced the goods time and time again. He is a world class player and the guys follow what he does. He is certainly one of the best in the world,” said the former South Africa captain, reported PTI.
Kohli has enjoyed a purple patch in career for a while now. After averaging just 36.64 in 20 ODI matches in 2015, the Indian skipper underwent a huge change of fortunes and over the last three years he has astonishing averages of 92.37, 76.84, and 133.55 respectively. This is not lost on Kallis, who admitted that it is the Indian skipper’s hunger and hard work that has made him into a world class player.
“Kohli I believe can go as far as he wants to. He is a world class player. He is hungry. He works hard. He has proved that over the years. The main thing about him is that he keeps it simple. People enjoy watching him bat,” said the former all rounder.
On being asked if Kohli can break Tendulkar’s record of 100 international hundreds, Kallis said that the 30 year old can definitely do it if he is willing to go the distance and his body can support him. Currently, Kohli stands at a tally of 66 hundreds, 25 in Tests and 41 in ODIs, also, he is only 8 hundreds away from Master Blaster’s 49 hundreds in ODIs.
“Only Kohli can answer that. If he is fit enough and willing enough to go but nothing is out of reach for him,” he answered, on the possibility of Kohli breaking the records.
With the World Cup right around the corner, the IPL comes at a time where it would be a challenge for the players to give a 100% in the cash rich tournament. After the India-Australia series ended this month, the Indian management was quick to point out that it was the player’s responsibility to ensure their fitness for the World Cup. Kallis, who is the head coach for KKR, also echoed the same thoughts.
“All the guys are professionals. They will know when to rest. We have a great support staff, the physios, the trainers who will know how to handle the guys,” the 43 year old said.
When Kallis was asked to name his favourites for the mega tournament, he did not come up with a team, but stated that this year the World Cup will be more open.
“I think this year, the World Cup will be more open. The sides have to play good in the key moments.
“I don’t think South Africa will be considered as a favourite but sometimes when the pressure is less on you it can help. But surely you cannot write them off,” said Kallis, when asked about his country’s chances.
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