While the Indian skipper Virat Kohli has been criticised for his behaviour during the Perth Test, the former Australian world cup-winning captain Allan Border backs Kohli by claiming that the cricket needs more ‘Kohli’ like character.
During the Perth Test that Indian lost by 146 runs, Indian skipper Virat Kohli was involved in the verbal spats with the Aussie skipper Tim Paine. Some former cricketers have criticised Kohli for that action. In addition, Kohli also has been criticised for his aggressive celebration.
Also read: Justin Langer Finds Virat Kohli’s Celebration Over The Top
However, the former Aussie captain Allan Border has defended Kohli’s attitude as he claimed that the cricket needs more ‘Kohli’ like character.
Border claimed at Fox Cricket’s podcast — The Follow-on, “There’s not many characters in our game at the moment. The professional era has sort of beaten that out to a certain degree.”
In the wicket celebration, Border feels the true cricketing passion of Virat Kohli.
Border added, “I haven’t seen anyone sort of carry on so much as a captain when his side takes a wicket. It’s really over the top but it’s good in a way. You can see some passion about what he’s trying to do.”
Also read: Mike Hussey Feels Virat Kohli Is Out Of Control
Though Kohli is leading the no.1 Test side, Border feels that the Indian skipper is desperate to prove their superiority outside the home soil too.
Border claimed, “He’s so keen to win away from home and really deserve that number one ranking. that’s your KPIs (key performance indicators) as a captain I suppose.
“To drive the team to be number one, which he has achieved, but to win away from home is one of those important things you notice as a captain.”
Also read: Mitchell Johnson Terms Virat Kohli As A Silly Cricketer
Talking about the present Indian side, Border feels Kohli is the only strong challenging and passionate cricketer while others are also very good cricketers but a quiet bunch.
Also read: Former Indian Pacers Supports Virat Kohli’s Aggressive Approach
Border added, “I think he’s feeling that pinch. If you look at this Indian side he’s probably the only one that has the character to get really animated.
“The rest of the Indian boys are very good cricketers but seem to me a quiet bunch and maybe Kohli feels as skipper he needs to lead from the front and really show some passion and drive. I think it just comes naturally to him.”