Image Source : GETTY IMAGES File photograph of Virat Kohli.
Former England cricket Nasser Hussain, who led his nation in 45 Tests, felt Virat Kohli has been off-colour because the captain of India within the ongoing India-England sequence after the hosts discovered themselves on the again foot forward of the ultimate day motion of the opening Test in Chennai.
At the top of fourth day’s play, India have been 39 for one at stumps on the MA Chidambaram Stadium after England set them a goal of 420 runs to win. India, who misplaced the wicket of Rohit Sharma early, want an additional 381 runs whereas guests England want 9 wickets.
Hussain, who defended Joe Root’s decision-making within the ongoing Test, felt Kohli has not been as aggressive as he was since Ajinkya Rahane succeeded as makeshift skipper in 2-1 sequence triumph in Australia.
“It is India skipper Kohli who has been caught between two stools,” the 58-year-old retired cricketer wrote in his column for Daily Mail. “After Ajinkya Rahane did so well deputising in Australia, he has perhaps been a bit reluctant to be as much in-your-face as in the past. Maybe it was in the back of his mind to be a bit more smiley and allow his team freedom of expression.”
Hussain additional pressured that the Indian skipper ought to follow his aggression as that is his energy and identified that glimpses of previous Kohli was seen in patches throughout the match.
“It was noticeable, though, when Rory Burns was out to the first ball of England’s second innings that the old, animated Kohli was back. That to me is his strength as a captain — his drive, his passion and his aggression,” he mentioned.
Hussain added he was by no means a fan of Kohli as a tactician.
“I am not a massive fan of him as a tactician, because he tends to follow the ball and be a bit behind play at times, rather than dictating it.”
