India coach Rahul Dravid has used the eve of Virat Kohli`s 500th international appearance to reveal what makes the former skipper so good at his craft and predict what the future holds for the legendary batter.
Kohli will take the field for the 500th time in his distinguished international career when India take on the West Indies in the second and final Test of their ICC World Test Championship series in Trinidad and the 34-year-old still remains one of the most consistent performers in all formats of the game.
While Dravid played alongside Kohli at the backend of his playing career, it is only in recent times that their relationship has really blossomed as they have spent time working with each other with a common goal for Indian cricket.
And while Dravid admitted he was in awe of the achievement by Kohli to reach the 500-game milestone, the India coach does not see the former skipper slowing down any time soon as he continues to maintain that famous work rate the sets him apart from many of his peers.
“I think it is fantastic and he (Kohli) is an inspiration to so many players within this team and to so many boys and girls back home in India,” Dravid said ahead of the second Test against the West Indies.
“His numbers and stats speak for themselves and all his performances are in the (record) books.
“It was great to see firsthand how much effort, determination and effort he puts in behind the scenes when no one is watching. That is reflected in the fact that he has played 500 games.”
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One of only three other Indian players with over 500 caps, Dravido, Kohli has made many sacrifices throughout his career, and that’s what he brings to the game. was the main reason he was able to stay at the top for so long.
“It’s been really great, but it hasn’t been easy. It’s the result of a lot of hard work behind the scenes and a lot of sacrifices he’s made throughout his career that he’s willing to continue to make,” Dravid said.
“It’s great for a coach because you don’t have to say anything to see a lot of young players looking at this and being inspired.”
“Only your behavior, your performance, the way you train and the way you approach fitness will inspire many young players through this system and I hope they will take inspiration from Virat.” It’s
