Published: Sep 10, 2015, 04:50 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 15, 2015, 12:14 PM (IST)
Steve Waugh is highly impressed with Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli as he said that the latter according to him is the best batsman in the world at present. Along with Kohli, the former cricketer suggested that Ajinkya Rahane will gradually become one of the best batsmen in the history of cricket. The Australian has suggested his 16-year-old son Austin Waugh to idolize Kohli as a cricketer. India’s tour of Sri Lanka 2015 was the first series for the Delhi cricketer as India’s full-time Test captain and he etched his name in history after becoming first Indian to lead India to Test series victory on the Lankan soil after Mohammad Azharuddin did so in 1993. Kohli has a massive challenge ahead of him when India host South Africa for a four-match Test series nest month. READ: India vs South Africa 2015: South Africa announce squads for Tests, ODIs and T20Is
According to Cricket Australia, Waugh said, “I think he is probably the best batsman in the world. Technically, he is fantastic. I have a 16- year-old son and I have told him ‘if you need someone as your role model, I think he should be Virat Kohli’. He should aspire to play like him. I like aggression in players, if it can be controlled. Sometimes, Virat crosses the line a little bit but I like his passion.”
He further added, “Virat Kohli will go down as an all-time great. I think [Ajinkya] Rahane will also get into that category.” READ: Virat Kohli might replace MS Dhoni as Indian ODI captain against South Africa in October
When asked about the current Australian side, Waugh believes that Australia has enough talent to bounce back after the retirements of Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, Chris Rogers, Ryan Harris and Brad Haddin. “Every side goes through transition with varying degrees. We have lost some experienced players in Haddin, Michael Clarke, Chris Rogers, and Shane Watson. It is a changeover period but we have got enough talent in Australia. I am a big believer in the theory that there is someone always there to bridge the breach,” he signed off.
