Dr. Ali Bacher is a cricketing luminary whose resonance extends far beyond the boundaries of his playing days. With 12 Tests for South Africa during the 1960s and early 1970s, including the last four as captain orchestrating a resounding 4-0 victory over Bill Lawry’s Australia, Bacher remains a name etched in cricketing history. His perspective on the current Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma and powered by the relentless brilliance of Virat Kohli, echoes deep respect.
Fast forward to the present, and despite India’s recent Test defeat in Centurion, Bacher is unwavering in his praise for the current Indian team, particularly singling out captain Rohit Sharma’s squad as the best he has ever witnessed. “This is the best Indian team I’ve seen,” asserts Bacher to Hindustan Times, noting the significant evolution in India’s fast-bowling prowess.
“Before, you used to have one or two good fast bowlers, and that was it. Now you’ve got premier fast bowlers, and historically, when you’ve got good fast bowlers, you dominate.”
Virat Kohli: The Australian
Bacher reserves special accolades for the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, describing the dashing opening batsman as one who relentlessly pursues victory from day one. However, it’s Virat Kohli, the linchpin of India’s batting order, who garners the highest praise from Bacher. According to the South African cricket stalwart, Kohli’s impact on the team goes beyond his batting prowess.
Bacher draws a striking parallel between Virat Kohli and the indomitable spirit of Australian cricketers. “You can see him a mile off, and he reminds me of an Australian. He’s injected that fighting spirit,” remarks Bacher. “I’m a big admirer of his; he is the best batsman in the world today.”
Indeed, Kohli’s cricketing credentials speak volumes. With a Test record boasting 7547 runs at an impressive average of 52.04, including 27 centuries and 26 fifties, Virat Kohli has not only etched his name in the annals of cricketing greatness but has also left an indelible mark on the global cricketing landscape.
As Bacher himself attests, Kohli’s influence extends beyond statistics, encapsulating the fighting spirit that defines the very essence of the sport.
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