Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar have praised Virat Kohli as the former Indian skipper gears up for his 100th Test match. Sachin called Kohli 'a terrific role model' for the standards that Virat Kohli has set while wishing him before his 100th international Test match.
Virat Kohli is currently with the Indian team in Mohali. India vs Sri Lanka Test series begins on March 4, 2022. In the 99 Test matches he has played so far, the 34-year-old Virat Kohli has scored 7962 runs at an average of 50.39.
The Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar was all praises about Virat Kohli's ability to motivate the younger generation. Whereas, Rahul Dravid said that Kohli's achievement was "truly deserved".
"Its been fantastic to watch you over the years. Numbers will have their roles and but your real strength is being able to motivate the whole generation," said Tendulkar in a video released by BCCI.
"That's been your real strength and your immense contribution to Indian cricket. That is something which I would say is your real success. Wish you many more happy cricketing years, go out and do well."
"It's an achievement Virat Kohli can be very proud of, " said Dravid in a video.
"He has a lot of pressure around him, but he always delivered. He averages over 50 in 100 Test matches, succeeded in conditions all over the world. Only when you could do that, you can achieve something like 100 Tests," he added.
The Thai Restaurant Story
Sachin Tendulkar also narrated an incident that happened in Australia in 2011 when Kohli pledged to stay fit. "To grasp things quickly was your (Kohli's) strength and it continued that way. In 2011, we were in Canberra, and I remember there was a Thai restaurant over there and we used to go there, for meals and walk back to hotel," said Tendulkar.
"After one such meal as we were walking back to hotel you said, Paaji bahot ho gaya, fitness pe dhyan dena hai (we need to focus on fitness). I have to say you have left no stone unturned as far fitness is concerned, and numbers are there for everyone to see," he added.
"That one particular evening I remember, you said that and achieved your goal."
Kohli was also praised by head coach Rahul Dravid. "Truly deserved, someone who has had to work hard for it, it’s not come easy, but he is willing to put in that time and effort," concluded Dravid.