Asanka Gurusinha labels Virat Kohli as the greatest batsman in the world

Asanka Gurusinha who starred for Sri Lanka’s triumph in the 1996 World Cup has witnessed some of the most fierce and concrete batting line-ups in cricket history. He himself was a part of a batting order which had the likes of Sanath Jayasuriya and Aravinda de Silva. To top that, the side was led by Arjuna Ranatunga which gives us every reason why they had such a successful campaign in 1996.

Gurusinha, who is now the manager of the Sri Lankan team, has admitted that Sri Lanka will be facing the very best in the world when they lock horns with skipper Virat Kohli and his men. He also said that the present Indian team is a very tough nut to crack and is the biggest challenge not only for Sri Lanka but any side that faces them.

What Gurusinha had to say:

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Gurusinha said “It (India) is a very strong and experienced batting line-up. It is not going to be easy for any side, not just Sri Lanka, so you have to come with really good plans and then execute in the middle, which is the most important thing. If you come up with plans but don’t execute it, then it is not going to help. My team (Sri Lanka) is ready now,”.

Gurusinha hailed the aggressive attitude of the Indian team and complimented them for being to adapt to any conditions. He further mentioned that his bowlers will try to outsmart the Indian batsmen. “They (Virat & Co) are all aggressive players and they have played enough cricket to adjust to any conditions and it is our job to outthink them and that’s what we will focus on,”.

However, the respected Sri Lankan named Virat Kohli as the greatest in the world at the moment without any hesitation. He said that Virat Kohli has been leading by example and his performances are a proof of it. Gurusinha, who scored a crucial fifty in the 1996 World Cup final, said that his personal best is Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis. The retired international believes that Kusal will reach the level of Virat Kohli one day as his career progresses.

“Virat is one of the greatest players in the world and has proven it by consistently scoring. “But to be honest, my personal favourite is Kusal Mendis. He is lot like Virat, in terms of preparations and all that. I am hoping one day he will get to that level.” concluded Asanka Gurusinha.