Virat Kohli is one of cricket’s greatest players, one who receives admiration and eulogies from fans and pundits alike. 

Adding to Kohli’s growing list of admirers, in his column for ESPNCricinfo, former Australian captain Ian Chappell heaped praises on the Indian cricket team star and highlighted a very special knock that sets him apart from others.

Writing about Sachin's and Kohli’s greatness, Chappell penned, “Virat Kohli succeeded Sachin Tendulkar as India's champion batter, which is appropriate: they are both generational talents. While they are Indian icons, both etched their names in the world's consciousness by performing heroic deeds in Australia. Tendulkar did so with two marvellous centuries in Australia in 1992. The first, 148 not out at the SCG, was a brilliant knock in any terms but for a player of just 19 years, it was exceptional.”

He further added, “When he followed it with a brilliant 114 on the bouncy Perth pitch against a talented Australian pace attack, it ensured the name Tendulkar was going to shine brightly for years to come. A short man at such a young age was not supposed to treat renowned pace bowlers with such ease and score so prolifically off the back foot.”

Chappell also wrote, “In 2012, with the evergreen Tendulkar still plying his trade, Kohli showed glimpses of his talent, also at the WACA ground, with a promising 44 and 75. His skilful batting against a good Australian pace attack hinted at his talent, and when he then followed it with an excellent century in Adelaide, while others around him failed, it was widely accepted he would be the next outstanding Indian batter.”

Pointing out the very special period that set Kohli apart from others, Chappell scribed, “Appropriately, two years later at Adelaide Oval again, the newly appointed India captain scored two sublime centuries to almost snatch a memorable victory for his side. Kohli's second-innings 141, in particular, on a pitch that encouraged spin, was a masterpiece and with a little more help from his team-mates would have resulted in a spectacular Indian victory.”