Veteran India and RCB batter Virat Kohli has stated that Smriti Mandhana is a really gifted and natural timer of the ball, claiming that he was also happy with how Jemimah Rodrigues pulled off a match-winning knock within the World Cup semifinal against Australia last yr.
Kohli also reflected on leadership, longevity, women’s cricket and RCB’s maiden IPL title during a recent episode of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru podcast. Kohli also shared about his evolving relationship with the sport and the type of legacy he wants to go away beyond records and statistics as well.
“There is no such thing as a doubt that Smriti has all the time had this very unique talent. She is a really gifted and natural timer of the ball, which is amazing to observe. It was amazing to observe her perform like that in the ultimate,” Virat Kohli said.
“I used to be happy with Jemmy due to what she had passed through within the tournament. It felt like a meant-to-be moment for her. She looked completely zoned out, in her own world, just watching the ball. It didn’t feel like she was bothered in regards to the record chase, the world champions or the strongest team on the market. It showed amazing mental strength and resilience,” Kohli further added.
“The talent is thru the roof” – Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli stays RCB’s highest run-scorer in the continuing season of the IPL, having scored 484 runs at a superb average of 53.77 and a strike rate of 167.75. But Kohli’s motivation has now evolved beyond personal feats as well.
“I’m in a phase of my life and profession where I’m just doing things that are purposeful. Even playing cricket, you get to a stage which matches beyond numbers and achievements. It’s not fulfilling you in a way that’s organic, which is in flow with the love of the sport. Now I’m at a stage where I feel just like the purpose is the impact you’ll be able to leave on people,” Kohli said.
“The talent is thru the roof. The kids are growing up on powerful, explosive cricket and their ability to clear the boundary and hit aggressive shots is phenomenal. However the game remains to be played between 22 yards. You would like technique, you wish balance, you wish some type of symmetry to play this game,” Virat Kohli concluded.
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