Western Australia Premier Roger Cook has described himself as a “big fan” of former India captain Virat Kohli and praised the batter’s conduct on and off the field. Cook’s comments came ahead of the Perth Scorchers’ Big Bash League (BBL) clash against the Melbourne Renegades in Chennai on December 12.
The match will be the first BBL fixture to be played in India, with Cook set to attend the event. Kohli remains focused on ODI cricket after retiring from T20Is following the 2024 T20 World Cup and from Test cricket in May 2025. He is expected to remain an important part of India’s batting lineup in the 50-over format.
Roger Cook Calls Virat Kohli a “Gentleman”
Speaking to WION during a recent diplomatic visit, Roger Cook was asked about his favourite Indian cricketer. Cook stated that he is a fan of Virat Kohli for the way he represents the sport.
“I'm such a fan of Virat Kohli. Not only is he one of the best cricketers in the world, he's also a gentleman and really brings the spirit of cricket alive in the way he conducts himself.”
"I am such a fan of Virat Kohli", Premier of Western Australia, Roger Cook
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 19, 2026
Full interview on @WIONews pic.twitter.com/2tvIKdX2W1
Kohli has built a major global following during his international career and remains one of India’s key players in ODI cricket. His popularity also extends beyond the sport, with the batter having a strong fan presence in Australia.
Kohli played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. He is the fourth-highest run-scorer for India in Test cricket. Kohli also remains India’s most successful Test captain, leading the side in 68 matches between 2014 and 2022 and securing 40 victories.
One of the defining moments of his captaincy came during India’s 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia, when India became the first Asian side to win a Test series in the country.
Roger Cook Excited for First BBL Match in India
Roger Cook also spoke about the wider role of cricket in strengthening relations between communities and countries. He expressed his excitement about bringing the BBL to India. The Scorchers and Renegades will meet in Chennai on December 12.
“Sport plays a crucial role in terms of the relationships between communities and between countries, and there can be... in sports like cricket, which is a religion in India, and very passionate fans in Australia, it plays an even greater role. So I see the opportunity to bring the Big Bash League to India for the first time. My team, the Perth Scorchers, will be playing the Melbourne Renegades on the 12th of December in Chennai, and I very much look forward to being part of that great festival.”
Virat Kohli Targets West Indies ODIs After Strong 2026 Form
Virat Kohli was last seen in action during India’s three-match ODI series against England in July. After scoring only five runs in the series opener, he responded with consecutive half-centuries, making 65 and 74. However, England, led by Harry Brook, won the series 2-1.
India, led by Shubman Gill, will next face West Indies in a three-match ODI series, beginning on September 27 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The second ODI will take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on September 30, followed by the series finale at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on October 3.
