File photo of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in training.
© Reuters
Virat Kohli is adding to his growing list of admirers. The pin-up boy of Indian cricket is already being touted as Mahendra Singh Dhoni's successor and former Australian legend Adam Gilchrist feels Kohli is on the right track to the 'peak.' (Peter Siddle taunts stand-in skipper Virat Kohli)
Kohli, currently leading in the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, will make his Test captaincy debut when he goes out to toss in the Brisbane Test on December 4. Dhoni's absence, reportedly due a thumb injury, is giving Kohli to demonstrate his captaincy skills but Australia will be his real acid test. (India Test captaincy massive and exciting: Kohli)
"Virat has the capability of being the best player in the world," Gilchrist said of Kohli, destined to inherit 33-year-old Dhoni's full-time captaincy. "He has some learnings that he will need to overcome away from India but I believe he can do it and has the game and hunger to do it," the former Australian captain was quoted as saying in the Herald Sun. (Virat Kohli will enjoy Test captaincy in Australia: Rahul Dravid)
Brisbane will be a tough challenge for Kohli and Indians. Australia have thrived on the pace at Gabba and have a 61 per cent win record. Australia's brilliant recent record at the Gabba was spoilt by a big defeat at the hands of the dominant West Indies more than 25 years ago. Gilchrist feels Kohli's Team India have the game to match the Australians.
"He (Kohli) may well thrive with this opportunity, is a big game player, so I think he will really enjoy taking on that responsibility," Gilchrist said of Kohli, whose maiden ton against Australia in Adelaide three years ago was overshadowed by his accusations of abuse by fans and speedster Ben Hilfenhaus.
Gilchrist still feels Dhoni is India's No. 1 captain. In his seven years as captain, Dhoni has won almost everything in limited overs cricket, including the 2011 World Cup. India have even been No. 1 in Tests under Dhoni and Gilchrist says Dhoni's absence will be felt.
"People have thrown questions up but they have done it in all forms under him," said Gilchrist of 88-Test veteran Dhoni,
"Dhoni is a wonderful leader of Indian cricket, has had a huge impact," said Gilchrist, who has released a new book, Adam Gilchrist, The Man, The Cricketer, The Legend. "There has been a calmness about him and the way they go about their business." Gilchrist added.
Kohli surely has some miles to catch up with Dhoni, the skipper.
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