Dean Jones believes Virat Kohli has gone past AB de Villiers over the last year
Former Australian batsman Dean Jones has labeled Virat Kohli as ‘the best player in the world’ by overtaking AB de Villiers. Speaking to PTI, the 55-year old also backed MS Dhoni to take the final call on his retirement when the time comes.
Impressed by Kohli’s remarkable consistency, Jones felt, “I find him refreshing. I love his charisma. I think he's got personality. He walks into bat and you have no idea what's going to happen. He's just really cool. He is polished, now knows how to finish it off. He is the best player in the world probably now for me.”
Elaborating on the comparison with de Villiers, the cricketer-turned-commentator affirmed, “It's a big thing because I thought AB was up there. You'd to do something stupidly good to get past him. He's got past him over the last year, ever so slightly. To watch Kohli bat is an honor,”
He added, “Virat is really in a good part of his life. He looks brilliant with the way he's playing. He's happy. He is super fit. He's just a great example for the youth of India. He looks and presents himself as an athlete. More strength to him. I just love watching him play.”
When asked whether about the possibility of Kohli taking over the limited-overs captaincy as well, Jones threw his weight behind MS Dhoni and pointed out that the veteran would be missed a lot more once he brings the curtains down on a stellar career.
‘Professor Deano’ claimed, “We are pretty quick to push our great players out. What Dhoni has done for Indian cricket, let him find his own time. I don't think Virat is in a huge rush to captain everything at the moment. Time will come. Trust me, you will miss Dhoni a lot more in India when he retires. I think that will happen soon. Dhoni will end as one of the greatest players India have ever produced. Honestly, it is no big rush.”
One of the greatest ODI batsmen in his time, Jones is credited to have revolutionized the 50-overs format by finding subtle gaps and running hard between the wickets. Revealing that he was not amongst the candidates for Team India’s head coach, the right-hander believed that the right person would get the post.
Jones asserted, “The CAC of VVS, Sourav and Sachin are following the right process to make a proper decision. It's the number one/best job in the world as a coach. You shoulders are under more pressure. But at the same time, whoever they pick will do a fantastic job.”
Opening up on the bond between Indian and Australian cricket, he hoped that the 30-year anniversary of the historic tied Test in September 1986 will be celebrated in a big way. The Victorian enthused, “It's not just the game but the friendships that were created from that particular tour is still prevalent. You've got Gavaskar-Border Trophy now. Shastri and Kapil is a dear Paaji of mine. It's been really cool.”