Overwhelmed with India skipper Virat Kohli's noteworthy ton at Kingsmead, Durban, on Thursday, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar didn't shy to compare the dynamic captain with fastest land animal Cheetah and expressed his hope to see youngsters taking inspiration from the Delhi batsman.
"Another super run-chase by @imVkohli. When it comes to chases it’s either him or a Cheetah. Well done!! Hope youngsters pick this trait of @imVkohli," Akhtar tweeted on Friday.
Riding the momentum, Kohli smashed his 33rd ODI hundred to help India register a historic six-wicket win in Durban as the visitors took a 1-0 lead in the six-match ODI series against South Africa.
Scoring a masterful 112-run knock off 119 balls, Kohli established a record highest partnership of 189 runs for the third-wicket with Ajinkya Rahane (79).
Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who has hailed Kohli for his impressive chase records in past, continued heaping praise on the Indian batsman, saying: "He is at it again... The Greatest chaser the game has ever seen .. #Fact #SAvIND @imVkohli."
India's batting legend Sachin Tendulkar also lauded the Indian captain and urged the national team to keep the momentum intact.
"Two great partnerships to take India to victory. First, @imkuldeep18 along with @yuzi_chahal and then @imVkohli with @ajinkyarahane88. Great work, boys. Keep up the momentum, #TeamIndia. #INDvSA."
Calling Kohli a "run machine", India's middle-order batsman Suresh Raina said: "Fabulous start to the series!! An all-round effort in securing a big win. Another great century by the run machine, @imVkohli and a superb innings played by Ajju @ajinkyarahane88. Keep it up boys!@BCCI #INDvSA."
India's opening batsman in Tests, Murali Vijay joined in saying: "Clearly shows the hunger we have to conquer this battle!! Top quality batting @imVkohli & @ajinkyarahane88 Take a bow @BCCI #TeamIndia #INDvSA #GameOn."
