Well, it could be said that there have been very few cricketers in the modern era whose impact on the game has transcended even beyond the national boundaries in the manner Virat Kohli’s has. He’s not just a batting great but a cricketer whose impressive and dominant conduct on the pitch has pretty much inspired his fellow teammates, earned the attention of even his rivals and defined the sport in a time where Indian Cricket was perhaps looking for its next action hero to etch a bold new chapter.
The former Indian captain considered a batting marvel of all times not only redefined batting excellence across formats but also brought forth an element of intensity, aggression and that fiery competitive spirit. The latter actually became synonymous with his personality on the cricket field.
Therefore, in the context of that line of thought and all that Virat Kohli has come to epitomise, a question needs to be asked.
Is it even a matter of surprise that former Australian speedster Brett Lee recently identified the man adored as the “King” as the one Indian player who would have seamlessly fitted into an Australian side.
Think for yourself, wouldn’t he have?
Speaking on the qualities that Australia has traditionally prided itself on, Lee was of the opinion that Kohli in his heyday possessed the aggression, and not just that- but the great fitness standards that have long been hallmarks of Australian cricket.
Now, add to that a touch of fierce competitiveness. For the Australians often made their opponents sweat it out for every single run and made their stay at the wicket a nightmare on times. There was chin music in the way Lee himself and McGrath commanded the responsibilities with the red and white ball. And then there was stuff said to the batter from behind the wicket. It wasn’t always music to the ears with Hayden, Warne, Slater among the others offering some lip service.
So the things that Brett Lee observed about Kohli aren’t just restricted to mere numbers alone.
Far from it.
On the contrary, it is a reflection of the mindset that Kohli brought to the game during the peak years of his career.
Whether it was leading India in challenging overseas conditions, taking on opposition attacks with absolute conviction or setting new benchmarks for fitness, Kohli embodied the kind of relentless approach that Australian teams have historically admired.
A centre point of Kohli’s success was the fact that he never appeared content with mediocrity. Every run, every contest and every challenge seemed to matter deeply to him. It was this hunger that transformed him into one of the defining cricketers of his generation and a player respected even by some of Australia’s greatest names.
Therefore, Brett Lee’s remarks can be viewed as a significant tribute.
For a great legend of Australian Cricket- one wholly loved in addition to being respected- to acknowledge that Virat Kohli would have comfortably found a place in any Australian side is perhaps a great tribute to the sport itself. In addition to it being a brilliant ode to Indian Cricket and one of its brightest shining stars!
