India’s star batsman Virat Kohli recently met West Indies’ legendary pacer Wesley Hall at the Kensington Oval ground in Barbados.
Wesley Hall praised Virat Kohli as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. After a practice session, the 86-year-old Hall gifted his autobiography, “Answering the Call – The Extraordinary Life of Sir Wesley Hall,” to the 35-year-old Kohli.
Hall, a former Barbados cricketer, expressed his views on modern Caribbean cricketers, acknowledging that they cannot be expected to turn down lucrative franchise cricket contracts. However, he noted that this trend negatively impacts Test cricket. Hall, who played 48 Tests over a 16-year career and took 192 wickets, also has two Test half-centuries to his name.
During their meeting, Hall told Kohli, “You have come here for practice and you meet an old man. I have seen many great players, and you are one of them. I have watched your career and I hope you will play for India for many more years to come.”
When Hall inquired about Kohli’s pursuit of 100 centuries, Kohli responded positively. Sir Wesley Hall said, “I follow your statistics. I know you have scored 80 centuries in international cricket. I want you to complete 100 centuries.” Kohli smiled and agreed, appreciating Hall’s encouragement.
