New Delhi: Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday batted for Test cricket to be the premier format of the sport, if it has to sustain across the world.
Speaking at the first ever Annual Conclave of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), the 29-year-old also urged the youngsters to take up Test cricket.
“I believe Test cricket is paramount for the game to sustain globally. I would urge youngsters to take up longer version of the game,” said Kohli.
Legendary Delhi cricketers like Bishan Singh Bedi and Mohinder Amarnath were also present at the event where stands at the Feroz Shah Kotla, where named after them. Sharmila Tagore, the wife of the great Mansur Ali Khan Patauadi was also present.
Kohli further recalled his days as an U-14 and U-16 cricketer with Bedi as the coach.
“I remember when I played U14 and U16s for Delhi, Bedi sir would make us train too much. Now that’s become a part of my life,” said Kohli.
He also added, “It’s a huge honour to stand with all Delhi captains. I myself have been a Delhi captain.”
Bedi then said, “I may not agree with some of his gestures on field but I have not seen someone more intense than Virat on field. I have never seen an Indian more intense than Virat. He will mellow down for sure but how much I have learnt watching Virat is unreal.”
The former left-arm spinner also stressed on the importance of playing Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy to make it to the national team.
“To play for India, figures in first class cricket comes in handy. Ranji Trophy should be played for the sake of Ranji Trophy and Duleep for the sake of Duleep. I don’t understand the name of these teams like Red, Blue and Green,” he said.
Amarnath, who was the Man-of-the-match in the 1983 World Cup final recalled the golden days in Delhi cricket. He also heaped praise on Bedi’s leadership ability saying that he brought respect to Delhi cricket.
“It was Bishan whose leadership gave Delhi cricket the respect. He was not just a captain but a leader of men,” he said.