Virat Kohli will finish as one of the best players of all time: Ross Taylor

What’s the story?

The former New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor, in a chat with India Today, said that in his opinion, when the current Indian captain Virat Kohli finishes his career, he will be one of the best players of all time.

When asked about Kohli’s transformation from a talented batsman to one of the best today, the Kiwi middle-order batsman said that he has followed Kohli right from 2008 and also compared Williamson with the Indian skipper.

“I have enjoyed watching Virat grow and have followed his progress from the young player of 2008 for RCB to the player he is now. Him and Williamson are very similar. Batsmen who ask questions at a very young age and you can see the class at very young age.”

He also spoke about Virat’s attitude and aggression. Taylor added, “At the end of the day, when you play the game you have to be true to yourself. And I love his aggression which rubs off on other players and as opposition you know you are in a contest when you play against him. I don't think it will change with Virat until the time he does retire. He is a fantastic player to watch and one has to be always competitive against him.”

Taylor also stated that he likes Kohli’s consistency and the responsibility he has taken. “To see him where he is today and the consistency he has and now with the added responsibility of captaining the country that he has taken with both hands. I am sure for the next however long he wants to play, he will be one of the best players of all time to have played the game. Which is high praise for a player of his age.”

In case you didn’t know…

In the early years of the IPL, Ross Taylor was a key member of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, with whom he performed pretty well. He helped the franchise reach the final in the second edition of the IPL. A young Virat Kohli was also a part of the RCB setup at that time. Taylor and Kohli shared the dressing room for 3 consecutive seasons (2008-2010).

The details

Ross Taylor who is in India to play a limited-overs series against the hosts in a chat with India Today spoke at length about the transformation of Kohli and how the two skippers (Kohli and Williamson) are similar. He also revealed he followed Kohli right from the start of his career and loved the fact that he has taken the added responsibility of captaincy.

What’s next?

With the 3-match ODI series starting on 22nd October (Sunday), Ross Taylor is the fulcrum of New Zealand’s batting along with skipper Kane Williamson. He is one of the most experienced players in this Kiwis squad.

Thus, at No. 4, he is expected to play a key role batting through the middle stages and helping his team provide a launch-pad for a big finish.

Author’s note

With the consistency Virat Kohli has shown in the last 3-4 years, there is no doubt that he is currently one of the best batsmen.

At 28, the current Indian captain has 47 international tons and more than 15,000 runs in international cricket and he certainly has quite a bit of cricket left in him. Thus, if he can continue the same consistency and fitness, he can certainly finish as one of the best players of all time.