HIGHLIGHTS

• Virat Kohli knows the importance of Test cricket well: Kevin Pietersen
• Test cricket means everything to Virat Kohli: Kevin Pietersen
• Pietersen added that Kohli’s heroes are Dravid and Tendulkar

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen believes Virat Kohli-led India’s passion for Test cricket will help the format gain maximum reach. Pietersen opened up on Virat Kohli’s fondness for Test cricket, saying it’s good to see a global superstar so passionate about the red ball game.

Pietersen added that Kohli’s heroes are Dravid and Tendulkar, and he puts in great efforts to follow in their footsteps.

“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.

Kohli-led India pulled off a spectacular victory against England in the second Test at Lord’s. India’s pace quartet excelled in tough English conditions and helped the team register a win to remember for ages.

Pietersen was moved by the way India turned the tables on the final day to register a win at Lord’s.

“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.