I love watching Virat Kohli play: Shane Warne

Virat Kohli, on Friday, once again showed why he is the best-ranked ODI batsman in the world at the moment. On a Ranchi pitch where none of his teammates could score more than 32, Kohli played a sublime knock of 123. The knock comes just two days after his Nagpur masterclass where he had scored 116. But unlike the previous game, Kohli’s latest ton went in vain as Australia beat India by 32 runs in the high-scoring game in Ranchi.

Chasing 314 to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, India were off to a disastrous start. Their star openers – Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma – once again failed to get going and so did Ambati Rayudu as India found themselves reeling at 27 for 3. MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav and Vijay Shankar looked promising but failed to convert their starts as India lost wickets at crucial junctures.

But despite getting little support from the other end, Kohli held firm and kept India in the game before Adam Zampa castled him. Prior to his dismissal, Kohli scored 123 from just 95 balls, relying solely on singles, doubles and boundaries. It was his 41st ODI ton and third of this year – incidentally, all his hundreds have come against Australia. But unfortunately, his teammates could not replicate his performance as India were all out for 281.

High praise from Warne

With Kohli’s unbelievable consistency and urge for excellency showing no stops of slowing down, spin legend Shane Warner has lavished praise on him. The former Australia spinner took to Twitter to hail Kohli’s never-say-die attitude before congratulating Australia for the win.

“I love watching @imVkohli bat & play cricket as he never ever gives up & always believes his team can win when he’s batting. Just a terrific attitude & one that warms my heart. Congrats to Oz on a wonderful win, some great signs with bat & ball ! Very happy for @AaronFinch5 too !,” wrote Shane Warne.

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