Image Credit- AFP
According to Greg Chappell, one of the most important
lessons learned from the World Cup in India is the strength of the One-Day
International format. His endorsement of the format comes at a time when a
number of cricket analysts have been criticising it and even advocating that it
be shortened to 40 overs.
The legendary player and former coach of India gave
the highest praise to Virat Kohli, who accomplished the remarkable feat of 50
hundreds in one-day cricket, before delving deeper into the World Cup and the
competition overall.
Chappell believed that a dream had become a reality
because of Kohli’s achievement. In the semifinal match against New Zealand at
the Wankhede in Mumbai, Kohli reached this landmark and broke Sachin
Tendulkar’s record of 49 hundreds. Tendulkar himself praised Kohli for
accomplishing this remarkable feat.
“The fear of Virat Kohli to become the first man
to score 50 centuries in ODI cricket is nothing short of fantastic,”
Chappell told this website and went on to add, “The fact that he surpassed
The Little Master to achieve the feat puts the magnitude of the performance
into perspective.”
With Australia as their opponent in the championship
match, India’s spot was secured in large part thanks to Kohli’s century. During
a stellar 14-year career in the 1970s and 1980s, Chappell represented Australia
in 87 Tests and 74 ODIs. As such, he has a unique viewpoint on the impending
match between India and Australia.
“It will be up to this highly cohesive Australian
team to find something really extra-special from within themselves, if they are
to make it their sixth win in eight World Cup finals — a phenomenal
record,” Chappell said but pointed out that India look near invincible.
“India has played brilliantly and does not have a chink in their
armour,” Chappell asserted. Australia have been rather vulnerable in the
tournament, having started with two defeats, including against India in the sides’
first game.
Chappell said the World Cup has been a great success.
“ODI cricket is alive and throbbing, not just thriving, and by many
metrics, this tournament has been very successful,” Chappell, known to be
one of the great cricketing minds, said. “After Sunday, there will be some
withdrawal symptoms felt by cricket fans the world over.”