Shane Warne Points Out Biggest Contribution Of Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli recently relinquished Test captaincy after his team's 1-2 defeat against South Africa side

Virat Kohli was an "inspirational leader" in his own right and without his passion for the game's traditional format, Test cricket's popularity would have dwindled in some of the other countries, legendary Shane Warne said on Monday. Kohli recently relinquished Test captaincy after his team's 1-2 defeat against a weak South African side but for the leg-spin wizard, Kohli's biggest contribution is being the foremost flag-bearer of cricket's hardest form.

"Virat was a very good leader and he inspired his teammates. I think on the tactical side he could have improved on but as far as being a leader is concerned, I think he inspired his teammates all the time," Warne told PTI during an exclusive interaction while promoting his documentary 'Shane' which has been aired on 'Book My Show' streaming platform earlier this month.

For Warne, the way Kohli promoted Test cricket has increased the former India captain's respect by manifold.

"First of all I have got nothing but the utmost respect for Virat Kohli. I think he is a terrific cricketer and great ambassador for the game. I think we should all thank Virat Kohli and the BCCI for pushing Test cricket and because its the no 1 format," the holder of 709 Test wickets said.

Warne believes had Kohli and the Indian cricket board not put its foot down in keeping the sanctity of Tests alive, some of the other countries would have lost interest in this day and age of T20 leagues.