Mohammad Kaif hails Virat Kohli after his record-breaking century against West Indies

Mohammed Kaif and Virat Kohli (Pic: X)

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has heaped praise on Virat Kohli following his match-winning knock of 139 off 88 balls against the West Indies, highlighting the star batter's excellent fitness, hunger, and consistency as vital lessons for the younger players.

"I still remember when Virat Kohli was out for consecutive ducks twice in Australia; people started commenting that Virat Kohli can no longer do it and should retire.

Since then, do you know what Virat Kohli has done? Since then, he has played 11 innings, scored over 900 runs, including four centuries, and I am talking about ODIs," Kaif said in a video shared on his X handle.

Kaif pointed out that Kohli achieved these staggering numbers despite playing around one match per month and stepping away from Tests and T20Is.

"In one year, he played only 11 innings, which means about one match per month. Normally, there aren't so few matches. Despite playing just one match a month, and despite not playing Tests or T20Is, look at the way he batted in this match. He is known as a boundary hitter, but in this match, Virat Kohli hit nine sixes." Kaif added.

Virat Kohli broke multiple records against West Indies

Kohli's explosive knock against the West Indies featured 10 fours and nine sixes, his most in a single ODI innings, powering India past a target of 296 after the West Indies posted a competitive total thanks to Justin Greaves' century and Kuldeep Yadav's four-wicket haul.

Partnering with captain Shubman Gill, who scored a brilliant 110, Kohli anchored yet another successful chase while rewriting multiple record books, including crossing the 15,000-run milestone in 50-over cricket and recording his 86th international century.

Kaif added that Kohli's unwavering commitment while playing for the Indian national team remains unmatched.

"Whenever he puts on the blue jersey for India, his ultimate goal is to remain not out and win the match. That is Virat Kohli. This is what you can learn from him. Many congratulations on reaching 15,000 runs, well done, Virat Kohli, and all the best for the future," Kaif concluded.

(With inputs from ANI)