IND vs SA | Simon Katich and Mike Hesson laud Virat Kohli's competitive spirit
Simon Katich has spoken highly of Virat Kohli as he commended his desire to win after his half-century guided India to a win in the T20 against South Africa. He reminisced watching his splendour in Australia last year while Mike Hesson echoed similar thoughts as he heaped praise on Kohli.
Virat Kohli produced yet another masterclass in the second T20 against the Proteas as his unbeatable 72 laced with four boundaries and three maximums helped India chase down the target of 150. The masterful innings made the Indian skipper the highest run-getter in the sport’s shortest format, apart from him being the only batsman to average over 50 in all the three formats. Royal Challenger Bangalore’s newly appointed coach Simon Katich could not help but admire the genius of the man.
"His (Kohli) records speak for him. I have a huge amount of respect for what he has achieved not only as a player but also as the captain of India," Katich told IANS, reported Times Now.
The Australian has been tasked to turn the fortunes around for the IPL franchise after they finished bottom of the pile last year and he will need to work closely with the franchise captain Kohli to achieve the same.
"What I really like about him is the fact that he is super competitive, because that's exactly what I am like and I love that," he added.
He continued to praise Kohli’s mastery with the bat, recalling his century in the third Test in December Down Under where he had demolished the bowlers enroute a score of 123.
"I had the pleasure of watching him score a hundred at Perth last year in the Test series at what was like an old WACA wicket. It was one of the best Test hundreds I have seen," Katich concluded.
Meanwhile, Mike Hesson who has been appointed the director of cricket operations by RCB, will be working along with the duo to bring success to the franchise and he too was in awe of what Kohli manages to do on the field.
He is as good as they get in world cricket. Last night, we saw another example of what an amazing player he is. He is a fine leader who leads with real spirit and passion," he told IANS.