Dubai: Coach Mickey Arthur heaped praise on India captain Virat Kohli and said he had used his example to inspire Pakistan players for the Test series against Australia.

The first Test between Pakistan and Australian began on Sunday in Dubai. And on the eve of the Test, the Arthur revealed in an interview with The Telegraph, how Kohli has so much to offer to cricket, besides his flawless batting.

“Virat has grown as a cricketer even more. In fact, he’s unbelievable,” the South African said.

“Virat’s hunger and continuous desire to be the best is what sets him apart from the rest. Everything that he does is almost fanatical. His way of living his life, his training and playing cricket. For Virat, it’s about becoming the best he can possibly be. I have used Virat as an example to my players. The way he changed his lifestyle, the accent on fitness, I have absolutely enjoyed watching Virat grow as a cricketer,” he added.

Kohli seems to have raced miles ahead of the rest to grab the title of the “best batsman”, when not too long ago Joe Root, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith were considered the best among the current generation.

“Virat’s the best in the world currently. Purely as somebody passionate about cricket, he’s one of three batsmen I’d pay a lot of money to watch – AB de Villiers and David Warner being the other two. AB having retired completely from international cricket and Warner being currently ineligible to play for Australia. So, Virat’s the only one playing international cricket and that too all three formats… Kane Williamson, I should add, is in the same league,” Arthur praised.

Having said that, Arthur was slightly sceptical of Kohli’s leadership skills, adding that the Indian could really do better by keeping his aggression in check.

"Going by some of Virat’s reactions on the field, I think he needs to tone down a bit. I’m sure Virat will work that out if (head coach) Ravi Shastri helps him channel things in the right direction… As I told you, in London during the Champions Trophy, Virat brought about a cut-throat attitude which looks good from the outside. He’s also brought real energy to the India team,” he said.