'Kohli hasn't even hit full throttle': Gilchrist's bold claim, Vaughan's sensational 'Lionel Messi' parallel for Virat

Virat Kohli is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the 2023 World Cup with 354 runs to his name in five innings (a century and three half-centuries).

Team India are enjoying a terrific 2023 World Cup, having registered strong wins in all of their five matches in the edition so far. India are the only remaining unbeaten team in the competition after they defeated New Zealand in a tightly-contested match in Dharamsala last week, and Virat Kohli, the star batter, was once again in top gear, smashing a brilliant 95. Kohli is currently the second-highest scorer in the 2023 edition, with a century and three fifties to his name so far. It was evident before the tournament that Kohli would play a crucial role in India's batting lineup, and he underscored his significance to the team's balance in the opening match itself. He rescued India from a precarious 2/3 situation in their pursuit of a 200-run target, scoring a brilliant 85.

Virat Kohli (L) during the 2023 WC match against New Zealand; Lionel Messi after the FIFA World Cup 2022 final (PTI/File)

Kohli followed it up with a solid unbeaten 55 against Afghanistan; after a rare off-day against arch-rivals Pakistan (12), the star batter returned to run-scoring in style with his 48th ODI century (103* vs Bangladesh). He had come close to equalling Sachin Tendulkar's world record (49 tons) in Dharamsala on Sunday, but was dismissed while attempting a six with India requiring five runs to win.

Regardless, Kohli in such form is an ominous sign for any opposition side – and former England captain Michael Vaughan acknowledged as much, as he lauded the India star on his outstanding start to the World Cup. Drawing parallels with Lionel Messi's performances in the FIFA World Cup last year, Vaughan stated that “great” players reserve their best for such marquee tournaments.

“Virat Kohli in the chase, there's no one better. It wouldn't surprise me if he gets a 49th before the final, and his 50th in the final. It's written in the stars. I actually put it on social media – great, great players always arrive in World Cups. It defines their legacies. Look at the footballers, Lionel Messi had to win the World Cup for Argentina, and he did it. Virat has already won a World Cup but you just feel he's going to drive the Indian team all the way,” Vaughan said on Club Prairie Fire podcast.

“I'd love to know how they (India) can be stopped. I can't see at the minute. Yes, you can get early wickets. But the pitches aren't going to do much. How are you going to get them 3-4 down quickly? Aussies were the closest to surprise them when they got 3 out early in Chennai, but I don't see how anyone will get close to them,” said Vaughan.

Australia's legendary former wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist, also a part of the podcast, echoed Vaughan's praise for Kohli. Gilchrist claimed that the India star hasn't even delivered his best in the World Cup so far. “Just like a well-oiled machine, isn't he, Virat. He is not even hit full throttle yet, either. He's just coasting,” Gilchrist stated.

Up next, England

Following their win over New Zealand, India are on a week-long break before their next match this Sunday, as they face a struggling England in Lucknow. The defending champions are currently reeling at the ninth position in the points table with a win in four matches.