As both a competitor and teammate of Virat Kohli, New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson can’t help but admire the Indian cricketing icon, who plays at an entirely different level. According to Jamieson, the greats like Kohli have a unique ability to dictate the game, regardless of the bowlers’ attempts to contain them. In the recent ODI match against New Zealand, Kohli seemed poised to secure his 54th ODI century, but fell just seven runs short, dismissed for 93 by the formidable Kiwi bowler.
Jamieson, who has had the opportunity to share the field with Kohli at the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, expressed his difficulty in assessing whether Kohli is currently at his peak. “From an opponent’s perspective, it’s challenging to say if this is his best form. He’s been exceptional for quite some time,” Jamieson remarked.
He noted the challenge of facing Kohli, emphasizing, “Every time you face him, you know you need to bring your absolute best. He operates on a different plane compared to most cricketers, and he looked impressive throughout the match.”
While devising strategies to limit Kohli’s impact is essential, Jamieson acknowledged that truly great players often find a way to shine. “It’s a privilege to watch him play,” he added.
Jamieson himself delivered a standout performance, claiming 4 wickets for 41 runs. He praised Kohli’s ability to control the game’s tempo and set a solid foundation for his team’s innings.