Alan Wilkins Prefers Roger Federer Claiming Wimbeldon Over Virat Kohli Lifting the World Cup

One of the most popular voices in sports broadcasting Alan Wilkins conceded he would rather prefer ace tennis professional Roger Federer winning the Wimbledon than Virat Kohli lifting the World Cup next year in the United Kingdom (UK).

As per Wilkins’ opinion, he feels that Wimbledon remains the biggest sporting event in the calendar.

The sports commentator has covered some of the biggest events in the field of sports. He can be seen covering many mainstream sports.

Wilkins serves as one of the popular faces in India. Hence there was a great buzz when he signed his copies for his recently published autobiography titled ‘Easier said than done’.

Wilkins was a former first-class cricketer. He had an impressive career as a left-arm medium pacer and bagged almost 400 wickets during his country stint.

The bowler in the form of Wilkins played between 1976 to 1983. His career was cut short due to multiple injuries. However, he has revealed that he seriously don’t have any regrets over his career.

“The injury happened when I was 28, which is young for a cricketer. I had two good seasons with Gloucestershire and I was beginning to feel I could go to the next level which was international cricket. In my third year in 1982, I didn’t bowl a ball due to my injury. My rehab wasn’t managed well enough and when I came back with Glamorgan, I was never that effective as a bowler. I had two years of contract with Glamorgan left when I decided to move. But considering the career I have had as a broadcaster, I have no regrets,” Wilkins said in an interview with Cricket Next.

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The broadcaster insisted that he never wanted to be a coach and choosing sports broadcasting as his career came quite naturally to him.

“Somehow, I never saw myself as a coach. I enjoyed coaching youngsters and did some work with boys & girls but I just saw my future in radio, not even television. Then in January 1984, SABC offered me a job as a sports reporter in Johannesburg. I knew the people working there, so I didn’t have to think much and took the opportunity,” he said.

Wilkins stated that it has become really easy for cricketer players to turn the tables after their career and become a commentator.

However, he expressed his concern over the fact that the privacy of the cricketers must be maintained.

“Privacy is becoming lesser and lesser. I feel there is a very fine line between broadcasting and privacy, which needs to be kept in mind,” he said.

Wilkins stressed on the fact that despite the pressure of fans, the broadcaster should never back away from speaking their heart out. He added they should not be afraid of their job.

“Asian teams are followed religiously but still have to do your job and call it as you say it. My job is to facilitate a conversation. One should never be scared of airing a viewpoint. Every cricketer hates criticism, but it comes with a job. It’s like having a bad day at the office. I don’t mind speaking with a player personally if required to explain my viewpoint. But still one shouldn’t be afraid to speak his mind,” he said.

Wilkins, who has covered many sporting events stated that it is a privilege for him to cover Wimbledon.

For Wilkins, Wimbledon has always been the standout sporting event in the calendar year.

“I love the variety I get. Sitting with Vijay Amritraj at Wimbledon is a pleasure. I enjoy watching Wimbledon and sitting with him is a privilege. Though I am doing a lot of cricket these days, nothing is better than a fortnight at Wimbledon. For me, that remains the standout in the sporting calendar,” he remarked.

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Kohli is still a young man says, Alan Wilkins

When asked whether he would prefer Virat lifting the cricket World Cup next year or Federer winning the Wimbledon, Wilkins preferred to go with Federer.

Interestingly, he added that Kohli is much younger to Federer. According to Wilkins, Kohli will definitely get a chance in future to win the coveted title.

“Virat is 29 and still has a few years in him. Roger meanwhile is already 37, so he doesn’t have many years in him. So my vote would go to Roger at Wimbledon. I am sure if you ask Virat, he would say the same thing, he is a big Roger Federer fan,” he concluded.