Batting great Sachin Tendulkar advised Virat Kohli to continue scoring at the same fantastic pace that he is currently scoring and stay focused as India prepare to face England in the second of the five-match Test series at Lord’s on Thursday.
“I would say, just continue, he’s doing a fantastic job so just continue. Don’t worry about what’s happening around you, keep your focus on what you want to achieve, and let your heart guide the way,” Tendulkar told ESPNcricinfo.
The Indian captain was at his best smashing his way to a brilliant 149 in the first innings and followed it up with another half-century in the second essay even as the other batsmen around him perished after failing to read the movement of the ball. India eventually lost the opening Test at Edgbaston by 31-runs but Kohli for his impressive batting propelled into the top of the ICC Test batting rankings.
He though came under heavy criticism from some experts for his captaincy during the opening Test match.
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Sachin, however, was defensive of the 29-year-old and urged him to remain focused and never be satisfied with his accomplishments.
“Along the way, there will be plenty of things said and done,” said the Master Blaster. But eventually, if you are passionate about what you want in life, then the results will invariably follow.”
“I can tell you from my own experience, however many runs you score they are never enough. You want more runs, and that is the case with Virat. However many runs he scores, it will never be enough for him.
“The downfall starts when you are satisfied. It’s nice to be happy, but never be satisfied when you are a batsman. Bowlers can only get ten wickets, but batters can go on and go, so don’t be satisfied, just be happy,” he added.
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Kohli on Sunday became the seventh Indian batsmen and first since Tendulkar (2011) to top the ICC Test batting rankings. The Indian skipper ended Australian Steve Smith’s 32-month reign to be ranked the World No.1.
Meanwhile, India is 0-1 behind in the five-match Test series against England.