Allan Donald, the legendary South African fast bowler, recently expressed his admiration for Virat Kohli. He noted that Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket came earlier than many anticipated. However, Donald believes that the renowned Indian batter still has the passion and drive to compete in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Allan Donald’s High Praise for Virat Kohli
During his time as the bowling coach for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2014 and 2015, Donald formed a strong bond with Kohli. He emphasized Kohli’s impressive work ethic, stating, “He is just a machine.” Donald noted that he has rarely seen the level of hunger for success that Kohli demonstrates.
Kohli’s Early Retirement from Test Cricket
Donald expressed his regrets about Kohli’s early exit from the Test arena. He remarked, “I actually miss him in the Test match arena. I think he’s retired too early.” Despite this, he remains optimistic about Kohli’s future in white-ball cricket, particularly ahead of the World Cup.
South Africa’s Prospects in the T20 World Cup
In addition to praising Kohli, Donald discussed South Africa’s lineup for the upcoming T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. He believes the team has crafted a balanced and competitive squad ready to make an impact.
- Strong South African squad capability
- Challenging T20 wickets in India
- Expectation of competitive matches
Reflecting on the tournament conditions, Donald stated, “India has the best T20 wickets on the planet.” He acknowledged the difficulty bowlers face in such environments, mentioning how aggressive batting strategies can lead to high scores during power plays.
Donald hopes to see South Africa reaching the finals and feels that strategy will be crucial in overcoming challenges during the tournament.
