I see a bit of Maradona in Kohli says Sourav Ganguly
FORMER INDIAN SKIPPER Sourav Ganguly is bowled over by Virat Kohli's exuberance and passion to cricket and compared the Test captain to legendary footballer Diego Maradona.
"One of my favourite sportsmen was Diego Maradona and every time I saw him play football you could see the passion in the heart. You see the same thing with Virat Kohli. I love his body language. I am a big fan of Kohli," an avid football follower, Ganguly told reporters.
"I love him off the field as well. It's about passion. I have got lot of faith in Virat Kohli. Whatever I've seen of him from the ground or TV, it gives me a lot of confidence."
Kohli today struck his fourth century as captain from as many Tests to put India in command against Sri Lanka on day two of the first Test in Galle.
In his maiden Test as captain, Kohli struck two centuries against Australia in the first match at Adelaide as India were on the verge of victory before losing by 48 runs.
After Dhoni's sudden retirement, Kohli returned as skipper in the fourth and last Test in Sydney and scored another century.
All praise for Kohli's "hunger" to win, the Indian great hoped the Delhi batsman build a team capable of winning in all conditions.
"He's hungry, he wants to win. He got a Test hundred again as a captain. He's scored four hundreds from the four Tests he captained so far. This is a fabulous sign," Ganguly said.
Kohli promoted Rohit Sharma to No 3, a move that did not click in the ongoing Test but Ganguly said it's all about building the side.
"Give Sharma an opportunity at No 3 for a while. You cannot just see someone for a Test and leave him out. India need to build a team for all conditions. I'm completely in favour of Sharma getting an opportunity."
Giving credit to Ravichandran Ashwin for India's domination in the ongoing Test, he further said the offspinner looked dangerous as he got a lot of turn.
"Superb show by Ashwin on the first day of a Test... It's because of him India are in a commanding position. He spun the ball. The moment a spinner gets turn he becomes dangerous."
On India's strategy of playing five bowlers, Ganguly said:
"It's an attacking thought. It has worked in this series so far -- we are in a commanding position on day two. Now you have to stick to that. It's too early to pass a judgment now.
"Australia were the best side in the world with four as they had four outstanding bowlers in McGrath, Warne, Gillespie and Lee. It depends on the team and the situation and at present I think it's a great move by India.