Xtra Time Web Desk: Former Pakistan Captain Salman Butt praised Test skipper Virat Kohli for his outstanding 79 runs on Day 1 of the third Test series against South Africa in Cape Town. Kohli’s comeback in Cape Town, who missed the second test in Johannesburg was beyond remarkable. Where Team India Captain was eyeing for a century, he played the entire match with sheer patience and consistency.
Kohli earned the respect and praise from former Pakistan Captain Salman Butt who said that Kohli sets an example for youngsters who aim to be Test cricketers.
“It looked like vintage Kohli. It was an outstanding display of discipline. If a youngster wants to bat at the highest level, this is the discipline you need. When you’re leaving the deliveries on length, you know you are in good form. The ball was seaming in the start, Kohli even took body blows but it was a brilliant display of grit and command,” Butt said on YouTube.
“He was beaten as well but the moment ball came into his zone, it went for boundary almost every time. This is what you relate with Kohli. There are only 4-5 players who can score such top-class shots when they’re in form. It was a masterclass.”
Butt also mentioned the ‘best’ part of Kohli’s innings was he didn’t opt for deliveries outside the off-stump.
“Many players find balance when they keep their foot towards point. Many have their foot towards covers. But the best thing was he left those balls. He only played balls that were overpitched and near his body. Only when he was set, he went for drives. He had decided to not go for the shots wide outside-off at all, which was the best thing,” said the former Pakistan skipper.
“Exemplary to watch. Any batter; youngsters obviously; or even any international player who wants to know how to stay determined on a difficult pitch (should watch this innings). When you aren’t scoring runs, you are under pressure. No one can escape that. Especially the player who has scored so many hundreds. Despite all the pressure, his pick and choose and the way he found the lengths, it’s fantastic.”