Michael Clarke Calls RCB Legend Best Player Ever Across All 3 Formats

Michael Clarke also expressed admiration for India's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah after he ascended to the top spot as the number one Test bowler in the world on Wednesday.

Virat Kohli is expected to join the Indian squad for the fifth and final Test match between India and England in Himachal Pradesh.

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Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has lauded Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli, hailing him as the best player ever across all three formats of the game. During his hiatus from cricket, Virat is prioritizing spending time with his family. The 35-year-old chose to withdraw from participating in the first two matches of the five-match IND vs ENG Test series and is anticipated to be absent for the 3rd and 4th Test matches as well.

"It's been a great series (IND vs ENG), I love that it's 5 Test matches. England to win that first Test was brilliant, and they had their opportunities in the second as well but India showed their class.

"Virat Kohli not being a part of that Indian team, you'd think now after they've got a victory in the 2nd Test... If he comes back in, I think India is going to be very tough to beat," he added and also rated Kohli as the best across formats of the game.

"Virat Kohli is the best player ever across all three formats," Clarke told ESPN Australia in an interview.

There's still a chance that Kohli might make himself available for the fifth and final Test match against England, set to be played from March 7 to 11 at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala.

Michael Clark has high praise for 'freak' Jasprit Bumrah

Michael Clarke expressed admiration for India's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah after he ascended to the top spot as the number one Test bowler in the world on Wednesday.

"Bumrah, what can you say... He is a freak, Bumrah. His skills in conditions that are never conducive for fast bowling, he is a freak," Clarke told ESPNCricinfo.

Before IND vs ENG Test series, Bumrah had already held the number one position in both ODI and T20 formats. The premier pacer's accomplishment made him the first bowler globally to attain the number one ranking in all three formats, a feat unmatched by any other bowler previously.