Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has praised Virat Kohli after the star batter became only the second player in men’s ODI history to cross 15,000 runs. Kohli got to the landmark achievement during India’s opening ODI against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, hitting an unbeaten 139 off 88 deliveries to help India chase a target of 296 with ease and claim an eight-wickets win.
With that knock, Kohli recorded his 55th ODI century and 86th international hundred.
Meanwhile, Kapil Dev highlighted Kohli’s remarkable consistency and his confidence in his own abilities, underlining the milestone as evidence of Kohli’s undeniable talent. He also pointed to Kohli’s brilliant ODI average that has been the hallmark of his consistency throughout his career.
"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." Kapil Dev said while speaking to ANI.
More importantly, his innings helped him go beyond the 15,000-run mark, a milestone which was previously achieved by Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli achieved the record in his 303rd innings, while Sachin Tendulkar had managed the same milestone in 377 innings.
"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," he said.
Kapil Dev further asserted that Kohli has a clear mindset and he backs himself, which sets him apart from other legends.
"He has the ability, and I think he knows it; he believes in himself, and he backs himself, which is very, very important," Kapil Dev added.