Kohli is the best young batsman in world cricket today, says former Australia opener

Former Australia opener Michael Slater is mighty impressed with Virat Kohli's technique and reckoned he is the best young batsman in world cricket today. "The thing that impresses me about Kohli is his technique. If you look at all the upcoming batsmen in the world, they have techniques for Twenty20 cricket and not Tests," Slater, who is on commentary duty here, said after the Delhi lad inspired India to a four-wicket win in the second match of the CB Series against Sri Lanka at Perth on Wednesday.


Pic/AFP

Kohli, the only Indian centurion during the tourists' dismal 0-4 Test series loss to Australia, kept his cool under pressure with an impressive 77. Slater said Kohli is miles ahead compared to other youngsters. "The way Kohli goes back and across should be the foundation of batting, but nowadays, youngsters stay besides the ball to open the shots on the off side," added Slater, who played 74 Tests and amassed 5312 runs at 42.83. He however, managed to score only 987 in 42 ODIs.


Michael Slater

A couple of months ago, there were calls to drop Kohli from the Test team after he failed to score in the first two Tests. Pundits criticised his technique and said he was unable to put the short balls away. However, Kohli went on to prove them wrong with a gutsy hundred in the first innings of the Adelaide Test. This innings came after his 75 in the second innings of the Perth Test.

Slater, who figured in the first ever Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 1996, said: "I have watched a lot of him on TV in ODI cricket, and the Indian media is constantly behind his inability to play the short ball. But as the tour progressed, he has looked more comfortable. That means he's learning quickly, which is great for India."

Kohli suffered from cramps in Wednesday's game against SL. "Let's hope he is fit for the next game. He has the potential to score lots of runs in this series," added Slater.