West Indies legend Sir Viv Richards, on Wednesday, opined that Virat Kohli and co. can enter the “great category” if they can replicate their success of their recently concluded home season, which saw them win 10 of the 13 Tests they played, reported PTI.
Richards backed Kohli’s aggression but stated that the top ranked Test side needs to pass tough assignments away from home to be recognised for the years to come, “I think the next level for him [Kohli] and the team after such success, the teams that you need to encounter overseas, would be Australia and England. And if you can do what you have done here, the Indian team will be getting [into the] great category,” Richards said.
The 121-Test veteran also termed the series against Australia as one of the toughest India has faced. “It’s [recent home season] has been very good, it’s a formidable record they have set,” he said. “The last series against Australia was one of the toughest encounters....They came through. It was a remarkable achievement,” he added.
‘India blessed to have Kohli’
He also praised Kohli for his aggression and for defending the players, “As an individual who likes to see class, not just batting, I like his [Kohli’s] aggression as a captain. He is going to defend his players at every opportunity and I see nothing wrong in that”
“India must be blessed to have such an individual who is capable of delivering so much, he defends his team every time and that to me is very special,” Richards said.
The swashbuckling batsman, though, urged teams to not cross the line with sledging, “You get a lot...And you give us as much as you get. I see nothing wrong with [the] confrontational side [of sledging]. [But] If someone starts playing race card, about someone’s colour of skin, [then] that is rubbish in my opinion,” he added.