The Australian stalwart, Steve Smith opened up about comparison to the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, saying he admires the Indian captain a lot for his contribution to cricket. Smith vs Kohli has been one of the most-talked-about subjects during social media interactions between players and experts during the lockdown due to Covid-19. However, the Australia batsman stayed away from giving a verdict but heaped rich praise on Kohli.

Smith said Kohli’s ‘phenomenal’ ability to gun down targets in limited-overs cricket and his calmness under pressure during such run-chases are something that he admires a lot about the India captain.

During an interaction with Sony Ten Pit Stop, Smith said, “Look, I admire Virat a lot. He’s done so much for India in cricket. They way they play their game now, the sheer passion he has got for Indian cricket. His willingness to improve and get better. You can see his body has sort of transformed over time. He is so fit and strong now and powerful.”

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He further added, “The one thing I admire the most about him is the white-ball, the way he chases. You look at his average in winning chases in ODIs is simply phenomenal. So good under pressure, calm and just gets the job done more often than not. You have got to admire someone like that.”

Steve Smith, who began his career as a leg-spinner before going on to become the batsman that he is, said he doesn’t prefer bowling a lot these days in international cricket. However, he has a dream wicket.

Smith elaborated, “I don’t like bowling that much. If I am bowling in a game, that means we’re in trouble. So hopefully, it doesn’t happen too often. You always like to get the best out, why not Virat?” 

Sharing his thoughts on the much-anticipated India’s tour of Australia, scheduled to take place later this year, Smith said India are a well-rounded team, and fans can expect a ‘terrific series’ this summer. Smith said Australia has a slight advantage, considering they have played more day-night Tests than India but added that Virat Kohli’s men will be able to adapt to different conditions quite easily.

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Smith explained, “India is an incredible team. Their batting line-up is so strong. Virat, Pujara, at here last time was pretty much unmovable. Rahane, quality Test player. They have got KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, quality batters everywhere. Great bowling line-up with a class bowling line-up as well in Australian conditions. They have Shami and Bumrah, Ishant Sharma. He has been here plenty of times, knows the conditions.”