Indo-Asian News Service
Sydney, Jan 2: Terming Virat Kohli ‘new king of world cricket’, former Australian batsman Dean Jones said the newly-appointed Test captain represents a new, young and vibrant India.
“Being captain of the Indian Test team is possibly the biggest, toughest and most demanding position in world sport. India are the power brokers and financiers of world cricket, and I could not even imagine the pressures and responsibilities placed on people in this most prestigious role. Now we have a new king of world cricket, Virat Kohli,” Jones wrote in a column in ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ Friday.
“I have no doubt that a conservative BCCI would have chosen a Murali Vijay or a Ajinkya Rahane as their new captain. But Kohli is the very example of the new-age youth of India. The Indian youth are more educated and have a touch of brashness – they want, and expect, the best. Indian youth want to be seen and heard.”
The Australian, who played 52 Tests between 1984-92, admitted Kohli had ‘big shoes to fill’ after Dhoni’ departure. “It is interesting to note that Kohli and his predecessor MS Dhoni are exact opposites. Dhoni is quite reserved, while Kohli is combative. Kohli knows he has big shoes to fill. But he needs to lead his way. Dhoni captained the team like a python, which hunts for its prey,” he said.
“Kohli, I feel, will try to win a game from ball one. Like Michael Clarke, Kohli is prepared to lose a match while trying to win,” Jones opined.
Jones also felt that Kohli is the right person to be Indian team’s leader. “The Australians love bullying the opposition when they get here. But finally we have a player who won’t stand for their tactics. I have known Virat for a short while and I find him very interesting. He believes India can win from anywhere and that was no more evident than in how he led India during the first Test in Adelaide.”
