Brendon McCullum may be plotting England’s downfall against India in the upcoming ODI series, but the former New Zealand captain admits he still wants Virat Kohli to flourish.
Days after stepping down as England’s Test head coach following a four-year stint, McCullum offered a glowing tribute to the Indian batting great, describing him as one of cricket’s all-time greats.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed earlier this week that McCullum would continue in charge of the white-ball sides after England’s disappointing run in Tests, which included defeats in the Ashes and against New Zealand.
Speaking to the ECB ahead of the three-match ODI series, McCullum reflected on Kohli’s extraordinary impact on the game and revealed that he still hopes to see the Indian star score heavily.
“That’s a difficult question because we’re talking about one of the game’s great players,” McCullum said.
“I had the privilege of sharing a dressing room with Virat for a year at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him.”
MCCULLUM AND KOHLI’S RCB CONNECTION
McCullum and Kohli were teammates at Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the 2018 IPL season, when the former New Zealand skipper spent his final year in the tournament before retiring from all forms of cricket. Kohli captained the franchise, while McCullum featured in six matches and scored 127 runs.
The pair forged a strong bond during their time together, and McCullum’s admiration for Kohli has only grown over the years. Despite now occupying opposite camps in international cricket, the England coach had no hesitation in praising the former India captain.
“He is fiercely competitive and leaves absolutely nothing out on the field. He plays with his whole heart and is an extraordinary cricketer,” McCullum said.
“He has inspired an entire generation to fall in love with cricket and has transcended the sport. He has become a global superstar, someone recognised not just in cricket or in India, but across the world and in many other sports as well.”
HIS LEGACY WILL ENDURE
Kohli heads into the ODI series as one of India’s most experienced players alongside Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. While England swept the recent T20I series 4-0 to reclaim the No. 1 ranking in the format, India will welcome back several senior stars for the 50-over leg.
For McCullum, Kohli’s influence extends far beyond statistics and trophies. The 44-year-old believes the Indian icon’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations long after his retirement.
“When his playing days eventually come to an end, his legacy will endure long after he retires. For now, though, I’d still like to see him score plenty of runs in this series. He is a true competitor and an absolute champion,” McCullum added.
McCullum’s remarks underline the respect Kohli commands across the cricketing world—even from a coach preparing to take him on in a high-profile bilateral series.
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