Virat Kohli’s record as a captain has been phenomenal until now in all formats and all conditions.
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With India having a more than successful home season, Indian critics wanted to see how Kohli led the side in unfamiliar and challenging conditions in South Africa.
The Test series started on a familiar note for the touring Indian side, as they were outplayed by the hosts, but the 3rd Test saw a different Indian outfit take the field, one that was up for the challenge and that had sorted out its initial jitters.
India won the 3rd Test rather comprehensively and took the confidence into the ODI series, outplaying South Africa completely to win their first ever ODI series in South Africa.
Virender Sehwag has heaped praised on Virat Kohli, as he feels that Kohli has led this Indian side in admirable fashion, leading from the front.
Viru feels Kohli is one of the best skippers he has ever seen.
“Kohli is the No.1 captain in terms of series wins. If we analyze the past eight series wins under his captaincy, we’ll find that he is one of the best captains we have ever seen,” said Sehwag.
Having said that, Sehwag feels that it would be unfair to compare him to the any of the previous Indian captains(Dhoni or Dada), as Virat Kohli has his entire career in front of him.
“Having said that, I believe that we should not compare him with the best of previous captains. He needs more time and experience as captain to reach where the past skippers are,” Sehwag added.
The former Indian opener feels that Kohli has matured as a player after becoming captain, something that hasn’t always been the case with players.
“He has gained confidence with the captaincy. Unlike others, he has matured and has taken his individual game to the next level.
“He doesn’t take the pressure of captaincy. In fact, he has improved his game with the responsibility. He has brought the trend of fitness in the camp,” Viru said.
Talking about similarities with Sourav Ganguly, Viru said that Kohli was probably an upgraded version of Dada.
“Kohli’s aggression can be compared with Ganguly. In fact, he is an upgraded version of Sourav Ganguly. Under Ganguly’s captaincy, we saw some incredible wins overseas and such has been the trend so far with Virat Kohli.” said Sehwag.
Aggression has been a huge part of Kohli’s captaincy and Sehwag too agrees with the fact that aggression maybe brings the best out of Kohli and he in turn is then able to get the best out of his players.
“I remember once Rahul Dravid said that Kohli’s aggression suits him the best. Aggression doesn’t guarantee you success, but it has been a big strength in Virat’s case.
“The fighting team is the power of captain Kohli and I strongly believe that this team can do wonders in England and Australia. The best thing about Kohli’s captaincy is that he brings the best out of individuals. The day bowlers stop performing Kohli’s downfall will begin. His strength lies in the current bowling line-up,” Sehwag concluded.
