Taking a trip down the memory lane, legendary South African fast bowler Allan Donald recalled some interesting remarks made by Indian skipper Virat Kohli ahead of the Test series between the Proteas and Team India. Under the leadership of skipper Kohli, Team India will play three Test matches with hosts South Africa as part of the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship. The first Test of the bilateral series will be played at the SuperSport Park on Sunday. 

Kohli’s Team India was beaten 2-1 when the Asian giants last toured the rainbow nation. The 2018 tour of South Africa was the start of a new era for skipper Kohli. Team India had defeated the Proteas in the Johannesburg Test during the three-match series at the time. Since then, Kohli has guided Team India to their 5th consecutive ICC Test Mace and the Asian giants also made it to the final of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021.  

Speaking to Cricket South Africa ahead of the Boxing Day Test at Centurion, fast bowling great Donald lauded Kohli for making Team India a quality side in the longest and oldest format of the game. “Kohli’s comments a few years ago were that you’ll never be classed as a great side if you don’t win away from home and that has been something he really worked towards. You saw them win in Australia and also reach the WTC Final,” Donald said. 

Kohli was recently replaced as the captain of the Indian white-ball side ahead of the South Africa series. Indian opener Rohit Sharma, who was appointed as India’s new white-ball captain has been ruled out of South Africa due to a hamstring injury. “There is no doubt this is one of the marquee series in the world game and we can look forward to an incredible battle over the summer. This is a quality Indian team that is here. I’m looking forward to it,” Donald added.