Navjot Singh Sidhu praised Virat Kohli’s outstanding performances, calling them “a tight slap” to his critics after a disappointing Test series against Australia. Kohli’s match-winning innings against Pakistan and New Zealand stunned fans and experts alike. Sidhu emphasized his belief in Kohli as a match-winner, comparing his resilience to that of notable figures like Bill Clinton. Following Kohli’s crucial innings of 84 runs against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final, his coach, Rajkumar Sharma, reaffirmed Kohli’s ability to excel under pressure, stating his mental strength makes him a standout player in crucial matches.
Virat Kohli showcasing his skills during the Champions Trophy 2025© X (Twitter)
Former Indian cricket star Navjot Singh Sidhu praised Virat Kohli, describing his recent performances as “a firm rebuttal” to his critics. Following a lackluster performance in the Test series against Australia, Kohli faced significant backlash from fans and analysts alike. However, with match-winning innings against Pakistan and New Zealand, he has silenced doubters, earning Sidhu’s admiration as he referred to Kohli as a match-winner and even invoked former U.S. President Bill Clinton in his remarks.
“Why did I support him during challenging times? This is the perfect response and a firm rebuttal for those who question Virat Kohli. The resonance of this response can be heard globally, emphasizing that any match-winner—whether it’s Steve Smith or Kohli—is someone I will always advocate for. When the moment arises, he will undoubtedly bring victories for his team,” Sidhu stated on Star Sports.
“Who hasn’t faced tough periods? From Bill Clinton to prominent politicians and renowned athletes? I believe kudos also go to Rohit Sharma. They have indeed fostered a remarkable Generation Next. Rohit has nurtured several leaders. Among those playing T20Is, he has developed 4-5 future stars.”
Virat Kohli once again demonstrated his prowess under pressure, scoring a crucial 84 off 98 balls against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final held in Dubai on Tuesday. His steady performance led India to a vital four-wicket victory, earning them a spot in the final.
Following Kohli’s outstanding display, his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, praised the star batsman, emphasizing his capacity to excel in high-stakes matches.
“He is known as King Kohli because I have always stated he is ‘the big player for big matches.’ He proved that again yesterday (against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy Semi-final 1). He demonstrated that the tougher the challenge, the better he performs. Mentally, he is incredibly strong…Class is enduring, while form is fleeting. Everyone recognizes his contributions to Indian cricket; they are aware of the many matches he has helped the country win,” Sharma told ANI.
(With ANI inputs)
Topics mentioned in this article