Former Australian batsman and head coach Justin Langer still believes that modern-day Indian great Virat Kohli is the best batsman he has ever seen. However, Kohli is having a tough time in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
Kohli’s innings of sheer persistence on Friday ended in disappointment late on Day 2 of the Melbourne Test. Virat Kohli was caught behind off Scott Boland, succumbing to the tricky fourth and fifth stump line he had diligently resisted throughout his stay.
Kohli scored a crucial 36 runs off 86 balls. It contributed significantly to India’s reply to the enormous Australian first innings of 474 runs. His 102-run partnership for the third wicket with young Yashasvi Jaiswal created some much-needed balance after the early loss of Rohit Sharma (3) and KL Rahul (24), keeping India in the contest.
That partnership, however, ended in unfortunate circumstances. A misunderstanding between Kohli and Jaiswal caused the latter to be run out for a well-composed 82.
The trouble increased seven balls later when Kohli’s tentative prod to a delivery outside off by Scott Boland led to his dismissal. For Australia, that was a monumental breakthrough. It marked the third time Boland has dislodged Kohli in only five Test innings. In those contests, the Indian stalwart has managed only 27 runs off 73 deliveries, underscoring Boland’s dominance in this budding rivalry.
Langer must have the best of reasons to prefer Kohli over the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, and Steve Waugh: having been in the same arena as the legends.
Langer praised Kohli’s unmatched focus, fitness, and leadership. He admired how Kohli excels in pressure situations. “It’s not just about his cover drives or big shots. It’s his running, fielding, and warrior-like attitude. His numbers speak for themselves. That’s why he’s the best player I’ve ever seen,” Langer added.
For Langer, Kohli stands out as a complete package—one who defines modern cricket greatness.
