Virat Kohli offered shock SA20 deal in South Africa’s biggest gamble

Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald said that ace batter Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket earlier than expected, similar to Proteas legend AB de Villiers. Donald also shared a wish to see Kohli feature in the SA20 for at least one season, saying it would be special for fans to watch him in the tournament.

Kohli shocked many fans when he retired from Test cricket early last year. He struggled to score runs and managed only one century in his final year. The right-handed batter finished with 9,230 runs at an impressive average of almost 47, with 30 centuries, making him one of the best batters of his generation.

There’s No One Who Trains as Hard as Virat Kohli - Allan Donald

On the sidelines of the SA20, Allan Donald praised Virat Kohli for his attitude, fitness, and passion for the game. Donald, who worked with Kohli during his time as a coach at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), said that Kohli was the only batter he felt could come close to Sachin Tendulkar.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

“I said it a few years ago, when I was in a room with Hashim Amla, and I mentioned that if there was one batter who could even get close to Sachin, it would be Virat. He probably won’t get there, but Hash looked at me and said, ‘How can you say that?’ It’s just his hunger," said Donald.

"I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player with that level of drive. I’ve got massive respect for him. I often talk about him in dressing rooms, especially about being a champion trainer. There’s no one who trains as hard as Virat. He’s a machine," he added.

He's Retired Too Early Like AB de Villiers - Allan Donald on Virat Kohli

Allan Donald said that he still misses watching Kohli in Test cricket and added that the batter stepped away from the format sooner than expected. Donald stated that Kohli could remain a major presence in big tournaments, especially at the 2027 World Cup.

"I actually miss him. I miss watching him in Test cricket. It feels a bit like AB; you almost think he’s retired too early. But there’s no doubt we’ll see him again in white-ball cricket, especially at the World Cup, very soon," he added.

Love To See Virat Kohli Play in SA20 - Allan Donald

Virat Kohli has also retired from T20 internationals after playing a key role in India’s title win at the 2024 T20 World Cup. He remains active in ODIs and will be next seen in action in the opening match of the series against New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11.

Allan Donald stated that he would love to see Kohli play in the SA20 for at least one season, adding that it would be something special and exciting for fans.

“I would love to see Kohli play in the SA20 for one season. That would be amazing,” he added.

Also read: Virat Kohli just 42 runs away from surpassing Kumar Sangakkara in all-time international runs list