'Superstar' Virat Kohli Keeps Test Cricket Relevant In India: Graeme Smith

Former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith believes Virat Kohli has got what it takes to keep Test cricket alive.

That the meteoric rise of T20I cricket has played a big role in decline of Test cricket’s popularity is well documented. The meteoric rise of lucrative T20 leagues across the globe has seen an alarming number of players becoming mercenaries. The prospect of earning millions in a short span of time has compelled the players to focus more and more on  the shortest format of the game at the expense of Test cricket.

But at a time when the popularity of T20 cricket is hurting Tests, Virat Kohli, arguably the best batsman in the world right now, has time and again made it clear that he prefers Test cricket over everything else.

A couple of months ago, the India skipper had professed his love for Test cricket. He had also called it ‘the most beautiful format of the game’.

“I think that if you really understand the sport, if you really love the sport, you understand Test cricket and you understand how exciting it is,” Kohli had told Wisden Cricket Monthly. “I cannot explain to you the job satisfaction that you get when you do well in Test cricket, because you know how demanding it is.

“It’s the most beautiful format of the game. I don’t think it’s going to go anywhere. I don’t even see it getting compressed to four days. It should not be tinkered with,” added Kohli.

And calling Kohli a ‘superstar, Graeme Smith believes the 29-year old can keep the longest format of the game alive.

“World cricket is lacking huge amount of superstars. May be one or two in England. I think Virat (Kohli) is that guy (superstar),” Smith said in his address at the Jagmohan Dalmiya Annual Conclave (Chapter II).

“The fact that he loves Test cricket and puts in performances, it keeps Test cricket relevant in a country that loves the game with IPL and other T20s. It’s huge for the game. As long as Virat keeps promoting Test cricket as an icon and superstar, we all have the chance to keep the game relevant,” he added.

Smith is one of the most decorated skippers in the history of Test cricket. He represented South Africa in 117 Tests while captaining  in 109 of them. Smith retired as the most successful Test captain. He guided the Proteas to an incredible 53 wins. Smith is the only captain to have registered 50+ Test wins, having overtaken Ricky Ponting’s 48 Test victories.