When praise comes from a mind as sharp and accomplished as Andy Flower, then surely it becomes that extra bit special, does it not? Perhaps much like that rare moment in sport that lingers on, something so meaningful that it finds a place in cricketing folklore! And in the most recent times, rich and heartfelt praise has come the way of two towering names of modern Indian cricket—Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Their longevity, their ability to adapt their style of play to the shortest and perhaps gruelling format of the game is second to none and truly redoubtable. And what’s brilliant in this instance is a likeable and exceedingly successful name of the golden age of the Nineties expressing his regard for two contemporary cricketers, rulers of the bat and with the ball!
So when a figure like Flower, respected across continents for both his playing days and intelligence, that renowned coaching acumen, pauses to admire excellence, then the regard certainly carries weight.
Andy Flower showers rich praise on Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar
To begin with, the famous former left handed batting great Andy Flower reserved glowing words for Kohli, a giant of the modern game and someone whose appetite for runs remains undiminished.
In a format as demanding as the IPL, where pressures mount and expectations soar, Kohli’s consistency and intensity stand apart. Andy Flower acknowledged not just the runs, but the passion, the drive, and that unyielding desire to lead from the front—qualities that make Kohli a phenomenon rather than just a cricketer.
Few can undermine or underestimate the contribution of a quiet legend of the game, perhaps someone who deserves all the more love than is coming his way. A quiet achiever and someone who remains silent and prefers to let the revs on the ball do the talking- won’t you agree? Calm, composed and ever-reliable, Bhuvneshwar Kumar represents a dying art in T20 cricket—the art of disciplined seam bowling.
Known for his ability to swing the new ball and control the flow of runs, Kumar, with over 200 Indian Premier League wickets, has over the years become a vital cog in any bowling attack he represents. Flower was particularly appreciative of this very trait—his control under pressure and his knack of delivering when it matters the most. Now, here is a point to note. The lavish praise directed by Andy Flower towards to names there really household names of International Cricket makes for a compelling narrative because of the contrast that both players bring.
Here is what Flower exclaimed-
“Watching Virat Kohli bat & Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowl is just amazing - They are masters at what they do. It's an absolute privilege to watch them!"
You could say, one is a tormenter of those who operate with the white ball, in particular and the other, likes to charge and tether batting attacks with one! On the one hand, the great virat Kohli’s fiery presence and unmatched energy shines through and on the other, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s quiet resilience and methodical bowling makes lends cricket a balanced perspective where the bat often tends to overwrite narratives as against the ball.
So having said that, one must admit there is a strong sense of occasion to Flower’s words. When greatness recognizes greatness, it becomes more than just praise—it becomes a statement. And in the ever-evolving narrative of the IPL, such moments remind us why the game continues to inspire, us all.
