The legendary Sri Lanka batsman, who has faced some first-rate spinners in his time, also told Wisden.com that left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav is “brilliant for the game of cricket and for India” and could have a “huge” influence on the outcome of the much-anticipated five-Test series between England and India, which starts on August 1.

“In ODI cricket, when batsmen have started to read him he has had to make a few adjustments to his pace and his length and be a bit more unpredictable, but he is so effective because he challenges you off a length ball over and over again. I think he will go very well in Test cricket.

“He’s been brilliant for the game of cricket and for India. He’s a smart bowler, difficult to read and has great strength of character to come back from taking punishment and is always looking for ways to take wickets.

“I think Kohli enjoys having him in the side, and when your captain backs you and you are a wrist-spinner, and understand how wrist-spinning works, it’s a game of give and take. He could be huge if used properly and I think will be a great addition to the Test side.”