Debasis Sen, Antigua: It couldn’t get better for Kohli reaching his first double hundred in front of the man he admired him the most in recent times. The Indian test captain scored his maiden double hundred in tests in front of Sir Viv Richards here in Antigua. It was a co-incidence that Sir Viv went and met Virat a few days back to wish him luck for the test series.
“I think it was a magnificent hundred and to score a double at Sir Viv Richards Stadium is all the more special. It’s a formidable task in terms of whatever he has achieved so far. I can remember when I met him few days back at Sugar Rich Hotel, I did say good luck but I didn’t believe he would take it this far , achieving a double. As a batsman I do appreciate class. I must confess that was a pretty classy knock,” commented Sir Viv Richards outside the commentary room.
Like Sir Viv, Virat now has scored his maiden double hundred in test matches away from home. Richards do realise it takes some doing to be going and scoring away from home. According to him,“It’s always an achievement for you as an individual when you can go at someone else backyard and accomplish victories because we all know what can be achieved at home. But when you go away, it’s always may be tougher condition. It is also a great feeling for him to be doing that his first double hundred here at the Vivian Richards Stadium. I was having a chat with him in the sense it was quite enjoyable too.”
The King of Caribbean cricket did not hide his frustration to see such a poor turnout for this test match. At the same time appreciated Virat’s effort like other cricket lovers here in Antiguan.
“It’s very special for those of us here in Antigua and Berbuda who always appreciate watching good knocks. They have always appreciated watching a good batsman perform. Those who were not here certainly missed something special. But I saw it and I am happy to say that I have seen Virat Kohli scoring a century and also complete his double. I thoroughly enjoyed that.
On being asked where he see Kohli ending his career, Richards feel, “He’s certainly got a magnificent appetite to perform. His talent is as good as any. But sometimes we see talent fall by wayside. Kohli has maximized his talent and taken it to the next level. What impresses me the most is his desire to succeed,” as he gets back into the commentary room.