Test cricket needs Virat Kohli – Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen has praised Virat Kohli for showing interest in Test cricket. He stated that Virat’s fondness for the longest format of the game will help this format to grow.

Pietersen added that Kohli’s heroes are Dravid and Tendulkar, and he makes sure to follow these legends.

“Knowing Virat Kohli the way that I do, I know the huge impetus he puts on following in the footsteps of his heroes. His heroes are Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and other legends of Test match cricket. You can see by his enthusiasm, intensity, and the way he rallies his troops. Test cricket still means everything to him,” Pietersen wrote.

“Kohli knows that to be considered a legend of the game, he needs to deliver in this format as well as in T20. That’s why he puts so much importance on this format and at a time when Test cricket needs all the love it can get, how good is it to see a global superstar so passionate about it.

“He values his team producing in all conditions, and so to have watched his team win in Australia and then have gone one up in England with a victory at Lord’s will satisfy him hugely,” he added.

Virat led India to a memorable win at Lord’s. Pietersen was impressed with the way India defeated England in the second Test.

“It’s very difficult for subcontinental teams to come to England and perform, but they would probably be 2-0 up after two matches if it weren’t for the rain at Trent Bridge. The way that Mohammed Siraj bowled on day five summed it up intensity, heart and quality. It’s amazing for Test cricket that India who are the number one brand in the game are so vocal and so passionate about it. It all bodes well for the format,” Pietersen concluded.