Tendulkar tells Kohli to ‘never be satisfied’

India’s former batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar has told captain Virat Kohli to never be satisfied and suggested that ‘however many runs you score they are never enough’.

Kohli showcased great form, hitting 149 in the first innings of the Edgbaston Test – his maiden century on English soil, before scoring 51 in the second innings.

Ultimately, his effort did not make the difference as England won by 31 runs and Kohli’s dismissal was the defining moment of the game. Kohli’s efforts did see him top Australia’s Steve Smith to become the number 1 ranked batsman in the ICC Test ranking for batsmen.

"I would say, just continue, he's doing a fantastic job so just continue," Tendulkar was quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "Don't worry about what's happening around you, keep your focus on what you want to achieve, and let your heart guide the way.”

Kohli came under fire in the media but Tendulkar said that the important thing was to keep the hunger to score runs.

"I can tell you from my own experience, however many runs you score they are never enough," Tendulkar said. "You want more runs, and that is the case with Virat. However many runs he scores, it will never be enough for him.

"The downfall starts when you are satisfied. It's nice to be happy, but never be satisfied when you are a batsman. Bowlers can only get ten wickets, but batters can go on and go, so don't be satisfied, just be happy."

Tendulkar also suggested that age should not be an important factor in being picked for Test Cricket.

20-year old Sam Curran produced a match-winning overall performance in the first Test while Ollie Hope, who is also of the same age,  is in line to be handed a Test debut at 20.

"If somebody is good enough, they should play for their country, it's as simple as that," he said. "Age shouldn't be a criteria.

"When I played my first game [against Pakistan in 1989-90], I was only 16, and in a way it helped," he added. "I didn't know what it was like to face Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Abdul Qadir, possibly the best bowling attack in the world.”

"You are fearless, you only see one side of the coin. With experience and maturity you start to see the other side of the coin as well, and you learn to balance things out.

"That is the age when you only go out and give your best, and that is what I would ask both these guys to go out and do. Enjoy the game because there will be tough moments, but that is what you practice for, that is what you live for."