Virat Kohli’s latest milestone has once again sparked discussion around his remarkable ODI career, with former West Indies pacer and JioStar expert Ian Bishop saying the full scale of the Indian batter’s legacy may only be appreciated after he ends his playing days.
Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Haier Cricket Live’, Bishop highlighted Kohli’s consistency and his ability to adapt his game over a long international career. Kohli reached 15,000 ODI runs during India’s eight-wicket win over the West Indies in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. He became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the landmark and went on to score an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls.
“I don’t think we will fully appreciate it until some time after he concludes his playing days.”
Kohli’s latest innings further strengthened those numbers. The former cricketer also highlighted Kohli’s willingness to adapt his approach as white-ball cricket has changed. He struck his 55th ODI century and remained unbeaten as India chased down West Indies’ 295/7 in 41.4 overs.
Bishop said Kohli’s appetite for runs and ability to calculate ODI chases have been central to his success. “Virat is different in that respect, the appetite that he has for runs, his calculation of how to chase a total, I think that is unsurpassed in this game,” Bishop said. Bishop said Kohli’s career provides an example for younger cricketers to keep developing their game rather than becoming too comfortable with an established style. “It’s never too late to evolve your attacking game, to adapt to how T20 or white-ball cricket has moved,” Bishop said.
JioStar expert Varun Aaron also praised Kuldeep Yadav for his match-winning performance in the series opener. “That should have never been the case, Kuldeep getting dropped and not getting opportunities. He is a gun bowler. Kuldeep was subsequently named Player of the Match for his four-wicket haul. Bishop also spoke about Rohit Sharma’s aggressive start during India’s chase.
Kuldeep claimed 4/40 from 10 overs as India restricted West Indies to 295/7. His spell helped India regain control after Justin Greaves and John Campbell had put on 135 runs for the opening wicket. Rohit scored 32 before being dismissed by Alzarri Joseph, with India making a brisk start to their pursuit of 296. Shubman Gill then scored 110, while Kohli’s unbeaten 139 took India across the line. India now lead the three-match ODI series 1-0. The second ODI is scheduled to be played on September 30 in Guwahati.
He’s a wicket-taker, and he’s a match-winner,” Aaron said. Bishop said both Rohit and Kohli looked in good form, while also praising India’s opening combination and Gill’s contribution.
