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When it comes to modern-day cricket, which is adorned with a constellation of talent from around the globe, there are few luminaries that shine as brightly as the titans who grace the field with their unparalleled skill and charisma. As the sport evolves and embraces new dimensions, one figure consistently commands the spotlight, captivating audiences with his prowess and passion. Recently, England legend Michael Atherton shed light on the towering presence of this cricketing colossus, hailing him as the “biggest star” of contemporary cricket.
The modern-day cricket pantheon: Icons of the game
In a landscape where the boundaries of achievement are continually pushed, modern-day cricket boasts an array of stalwarts who have etched their names in the annals of the sport. From the imperious batting of Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson to the explosive power of Chris Gayle and Rohit Sharma, the cricketing world is replete with icons who redefine the boundaries of excellence with each stroke of the bat or delivery bowled.
Michael Atherton identifies the premier superstar
Amidst this galaxy of stars, Atherton’s discerning eye recently singled out a figure whose influence transcends boundaries and resonates with fans around the world. Atherton’s admiration was directed towards none other than Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian cricketer whose name reverberates across stadiums and continents.
“He is by far the biggest star in the game here. The supporters are often drawn to the superstars of the game, and there is none bigger than Virat Kohli here,” said Atherton during Sky Sports Cricket Vodcast.
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Atherton’s admiration for Kohli extends beyond his cricketing exploits and delves into the very fabric of his persona on and off the field. He termed the Indian phenom as the magnetic and charismatic cricketer who tends to attract each and everyone with a mere presence on the field even if he’s not playing.
“I find him a fascinating batter to watch. I find him an absolutely fascinating cricketer in general. When he is on the field, even when he is not contributing, he just buzzes around with so much energy. He is a very magnetic and charismatic cricketer,” Atherton added.
Kohli has so far played 113 Tests, 292 ODIs and 117 T20Is for India, in which he has amassed 8848, 13,848, and 4037 runs, respectively. He has managed to slam 29 Test tons, 50 ODI hundreds and one century in the shortest format.
