I have got nothing but the utmost respect for Virat Kohli: Shane Warne

Legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne has heaped praise on former Indian skipper Virat Kohli in loads, quoting the fact that he is one of the most inspirational personalities in the cricketing world. Warne, who terrorized batters around the world, said that without Kohli, the popularity of the longest format of the game would have receded in a few countries.

According to Warne, the manner in which Kohli promoted the longest format of the sport was simply awe-inspiring.

“First of all, I have got nothing but the utmost respect for Virat Kohli. I think he is a terrific cricketer and great ambassador for the game. I think we should all thank Virat Kohli and the BCCI for pushing Test cricket and because it's the no.1 format,” said Warne.

“Virat was a very good leader and he inspired his teammates. I think on the tactical side he could have improved on but as far as being a leader is concerned, I think he inspired his teammates all the time,” said Warne.

The erstwhile leg-spinner also said that had it not been for Kohli and the BCCI, a few countries would have seen the longest format of the game embarking upon a journey of decadence.

“If you want to test yourself in cricket, then it's Test cricket. Test is the hardest form of our sport. If India and Virat Kohli wouldn't have put the emphasis on Test cricket, a lot of other countries might have just fell away, but through Virat, he really pushed Test cricket. I for one is very thankful to Virat and BCCI for the way he goes about it and he is fantastic for the game,” he concluded.