West Indies cricket legend Sir Curtly Ambrose, one of the most fearsome fast bowlers of his generation, recently expressed his wish to bowl to modern-day batting maestros, with Virat Kohli topping the list. The towering pacer, who terrorized batsmen in the late 1980s and 1990s with his fiery pace and accuracy, mentioned how he would relish the challenge of bowling to Kohli, along with other modern greats like Steve Smith and Joe Root.
Ambrose’s admiration for Kohli stems from the Indian batter’s exceptional skills across all formats. Known for his aggressive style and impeccable technique, Kohli has made a lasting impact on the cricketing world, scoring centuries and breaking numerous records. Ambrose, having bowled to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting, feels that Kohli would have thrived even in his era, which was marked by some of the toughest bowling attacks.
Ambrose’s career itself is a testament to his greatness. With 630 international wickets, including 405 in Test cricket at a phenomenal average of 20.99, he dominated the world of cricket for over a decade. His ability to deliver sharp bouncers and extract bounce from even the flattest pitches made him a nightmare for batters. While he faced numerous batting legends, he feels that modern players like Kohli would have provided an exciting challenge. He described Kohli as someone who could dominate in any era, making him an ideal opponent for a fast bowler like Ambrose.
When discussing Kohli, Ambrose also touched upon the broader skills required for modern cricketers. He emphasized the importance of mastering red-ball cricket, advising young players to prioritize the longer format to develop their technique. According to Ambrose, excelling in Test cricket lays a solid foundation for transitioning into the shorter formats, something that Kohli himself has exemplified throughout his career.
Interestingly, Kohli is not alone in Ambrose’s list of desired opponents. The West Indies legend also included Australian run-machine Steve Smith and England’s prolific Test batter Joe Root. These three players form part of the modern “Fab Four” of world cricket, with their records and consistency setting them apart from their peers.
Ambrose’s comments not only highlight his respect for Kohli’s talents but also shed light on the evolution of cricket. The rivalry between bowlers and batters has always been at the heart of the game, and the thought of Ambrose bowling to Kohli sparks the imagination of fans. Although they belong to different eras, the mutual respect between legends like Ambrose and Kohli underscores the timeless nature of cricketing excellence.
As the modern game continues to evolve, with T20s and ODIs taking center stage, Ambrose’s advice about focusing on red-ball cricket serves as a reminder that true mastery of the sport comes from understanding its core fundamentals. Kohli’s journey, from a young prodigy to one of the greatest players of his generation, reflects the same values that Ambrose holds dear—dedication, technique, and a relentless drive to improve.
In conclusion, while fans may never see Ambrose bowl to Kohli in real life, the hypothetical matchup adds to the mystique surrounding two of cricket’s finest figures. Ambrose’s praise for Kohli reinforces the Indian captain’s place among the sport’s all-time greats, while also highlighting the enduring appeal of the fast-bowler vs. batter battle that has defined cricket for generations.