Star cricketer Virat Kohli became the seventh Indian to play 300 ODIs for the country as he entered the field in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 Group A fixture against New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (March 2). India legend Sunil Gavaskar lauded the veteran and said that his commitment to everything is what sets apart from everyone.
Speaking on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar said Kohli always want to become a better version of himself than yesterday. The 36-year-old has more than 14,000 runs in ODI cricket and also holds the record for most hundreds in the 50-over format.
"I think it's the desire to be better than yesterday. He's never satisfied with what he's achieved and always wants to do more. The pride he shows playing for India is an honour and a privilege," said Gavaskar.
"There are millions who dream of playing for India. Whether it’s a test match, a 50-over game, or a T20 game, representing your country is every young kid’s dream and ambition. Keeping that ambition alive is key for Kohli wanting to excel in every game," he added.
Kohli did not have an ideal game against New Zealand as he was dismissed for 11. Glenn Phillips was the man responsible mostly for Kohli's wicket as he took a blinder to send the India star back to the pavilion.
Left in awe with Kohli's fielding
Gavaskar also hailed Kohli as the "chancellor of the Indian cricket university," highlighting his remarkable growth over the years and emphasizing that aspiring cricketers should take inspiration from him.
"It's not just about the runs he scores. Look at his commitment on the field—how he dives, returns the ball to the wicketkeeper or bowler, and tries to save runs for his team. That wholehearted commitment to India is crucial. That's why his evolution from a learner to almost a professor of cricket is remarkable," said Gavaskar.
"He’s gone from student to teacher to, if I may add, the chancellor of the Indian cricket university. For younger players like Shubman Gills and Yashasvi Jaiswals, just sitting next to him and observing how he prepares is a great learning curve,” he added.
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