"If there were doubters, they can rest in peace now" - Former India cricketer's brutal dig at Virat Kohli critics after star batter's Perth heroics
Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja has taken a dig at people criticizing Virat Kohli after his poor performance in the three-match Test series at home against New Zealand. Making a cheeky comment that doubters can rest in peace now, Jadeja hailed Kohli as a genius.
India beat Australia by 295 runs in the first Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. After being dismissed for five in the first innings, Kohli notched up an unbeaten 100 in the second, bringing up his 30th Test ton. Heading into the series against Australia, he was under a lot of pressure, having managed only 93 runs in six innings during the home series against the Kiwis, which India lost 3-0.
Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of an event on Saturday, November 30, Jadeja took a direct swipe at Kohli's critics in his cheeky manner and commented:
"The name itself says it all. If there were doubters, they can rest in peace now because geniuses aren't born overnight. It takes years - it's the solidity, it's the perseverance, the commitment that you have seen over 15 years. People start judging sportsmen by one event or by one series. It just shows then that never to judge a genius."
The 53-year-old also praised young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has made a stunning start to his career. Jaiswal scored 161 in the second innings in Perth after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings.
Asked for his thoughts on Jaiswal's impressive performances, Jadeja replied:
"Imagine getting out on a duck first innings. It also shows you the power of sport that you never give up. You may have scored a zero. You now have scored 161. I just hope he keeps reminding himself and says, the zero could be around the corner, but he's an amazing player. It's been great to watch, and I think the journey that he's had in his life is an inspirational story. I think it's a long journey that he's on and he's had a great start."
Jaiswal struck 15 fours and three sixes in his 161 as India declared their second innings on 487-6. Chasing a target of 534, Australia were bowled out for 238.
Apart from Kohli and Jaiswal, Bumrah also starred in the Perth Test
While Kohli and Jaiswal starred in the first Test against Australia in Perth, pacer Jasprit Bumrah led from the front in regular skipper Rohit Sharma's absence. The right-arm fast bowler picked up 5-30 in the first innings to restrict Australia to 104 after the visitors were bowled out for 150.
Bumrah also claimed three wickets in the second innings to be named Player of the Match. Debutant Harshit Rana also impressed with three scalps in the first innings, while the other debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy made crucial contributions with the bat in both innings.