No stranger to kick-starting debates in the cricket spectrum, legendary spinner Shane Warne has made a bold statement about the formidable batting lineup of the Virat Kohli-led Team India side. One of the greatest spinners in the history of the gentlemen’s game, Warne has been catapulted to the limelight for his interesting observations and opinions about the sport following his retirement. 

Recently, the spin legend and full-time pundit weighed in on the current batting lineup of the Team India side. A celebrated voice in world cricket, Warne has claimed the current batting lineup of the two-time world champions is nowhere near to the golden generation of the Indian side that once featured the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and Virender Sehwag. 

Famous for his spin wizardry, the former Australian spinner had troubled some of the great batsmen of his generation during his decorated international career for the five-time world champions. Speaking to Sky Sports, Warne opined that Kohli is one of the best batsmen but India’s current batting lineup is nowhere near as strong as the previous generation.

“Their batting is nowhere near as strong as Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, Tendulkar, Sehwag. Virat Kohli is one of the best batsmen on the planet, if not the best across all forms, but when you see that top five of Sehwag, Ganguly, Dravid, Laxman, Tendulkar, that isn’t bad. I don’t think you can say that it’s the best batting Indian side,” Warne was quoted as saying. 

The former Australian cricketer also hailed Kohli and his deputy Rohit Sharma as two standout players of the current Team India side. Warne also opined that wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is a superstar in the making. “Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two standout players, and I think Rishabh Pant will be a superstar down the track. But I think it is their fast bowlers that have elevated India to be able to win in all conditions and not just in India,” he added.