'Hats off to him': Kapil Dev hails Virat Kohli's 15,000 ODI runs milestone

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Indian cricket icon and former World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has lauded Virat Kohli for crossing the historic 15,000-run milestone in ODI cricket, praising his longevity and hunger for runs in the 50-over format.

Speaking to ANI, Kapil highlighted Kohli’s remarkable batting average and dedication towards fitness following his sensational unbeaten 139 off 88 balls against the West Indies, which anchored a successful 296-run chase and registered his 86th international hundred. Joining Sachin Tendulkar as the only player to score 15,000 ODI runs, Kohli now has 15,080 runs across 315 matches at an average of 59.13.

“I think special talent. He’s done so well. Very few people in this world have an average of more than 60. Hats off to him. And more important, I think, his passion for the game. I don’t know why he left Test cricket, but again, whatever he is doing, he must be doing something special for himself to make sure he keeps on performing at that level,” Kapil Dev said.

When asked about the special trait that separates Kohli from other cricket greats in the 50-over format, the legendary all-rounder emphasised mental fortitude and his trust in his ability.

“He has the ability, and I think he knows; he believes in himself, and he backs himself, which is very, very important,” he added.

Kapil Dev extends support to Asian Games squad

Beyond the India-West Indies series, Kapil shifted focus to the ongoing Asian Games, extending his best wishes to the national men’s team currently competing at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. 

With the men’s side, led by Shreyas Iyer, already securing a semi-final berth after a rain-affected quarter-final against Afghanistan, and the women’s team already having won a gold, Kapil stressed the importance of cricket in multi-sport competitions.

“Good luck. I think the cricketers are doing so well, the boys and the girls. I wish them all the luck. Every medal makes so much difference to the country. I think it’s very important. Now cricket is growing at a speed which we never thought of in our time. But just want to say, keep on playing well and good luck,” he concluded.

(With inputs from ANI)

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