'King Kohli is master of chase': Samit Patel hails Virat, calls Rohit one of India's best leaders
Former England star Samit Patel calls Virat Kohli the master of chases and labels Rohit Sharma as one of India's greatest leaders.
Former England all-rounder Samit Patel has showered immense praise on Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, describing them as two of the most exhilarating players in the modern era. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026, Patel lauded Kohli's unparalleled ability to navigate run chases and recognized Rohit Sharma's transformative leadership and explosive batting prowess.
The Mastery of Virat Kohli
Reflecting on Virat Kohli's recent milestone of breaching the 15,000-run mark in One Day Internationals (ODIs), Patel highlighted the technical and mental brilliance that sets the batter apart. He emphasized that Kohli's true strength lies in his ability to control the tempo of a game.
“King Kohli is the master of a chase. The composure that he's got, the skill level he has, the ability to know when to go up and down the gears is absolute mastery,” Patel told ANI.
Patel also weighed in on the legendary 'Fab Four' debate, a term originally coined by New Zealand icon Martin Crowe. He asserted that the quartet of Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith remains the definitive list of the world's elite batters.
Rohit Sharma: The Dynamic Leader
Turning his attention to the Indian captain, Patel praised Rohit Sharma's impact both as a batter and a strategist. He noted that Rohit provides essential firepower at the top of the order for both the national side and various franchises, making him a dynamic force to watch.
“He is a powerful leader, one of India's best leaders in my opinion. He's the hitman!” Patel remarked, acknowledging the significant influence Rohit has exerted on the game.
Protecting India's Young Prodigy
Beyond the established superstars, Patel shared his thoughts on the rising teenage sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old left-handed batter has recently caught the eye of fans and scouts alike due to his aggressive strokeplay in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
While acknowledging Sooryavanshi's immense talent—noting his ability to take on high-quality fast bowlers—Patel issued a cautionary note to the Indian cricketing establishment. He urged officials to provide the youngster with the necessary room to grow without the weight of premature expectations.
Advice for the Future
Patel suggested that the Indian cricket ecosystem can sometimes be overly impatient with young talent. He stressed the importance of allowing players to learn through their mistakes.
- Nurture Talent: Allow young players the time to develop their craft.
- Handle Pressure: Avoid placing excessive expectations on teenagers too early.
- Recognize Potential: A player who can face elite pace from their debut shows extraordinary promise.
Currently, Patel is competing in the WCL 2026 with the England Champions. His side is performing strongly, sitting second on the points table, and is eyeing a semi-final spot with an upcoming crucial clash against the Australia Champions.