Popular television commentator and former England Test cricketer David Lloyd believes that India skipper Virat Kohli is a more ‘damaging’ batsman than Sachin Tendulkar.
The Indian skipper has been having an excellent time in England in India’s ongoing tour as he continues to make amends for his poor time in 2014. Kohli is currently the leading run-scorer in the five-match series by some distance with 440 runs in six innings at an average greater than 73.
“Sachin Tendulkar was aesthetically very pleasing, easy on the eye. But if I had to win a game I would have banked on Brian Lara and I see that trait in Kohli,” Lloyd was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
“He is a bit like Viv Richards too – he can absolutely dominate an era. Sachin was a great player but Kohli can inflict more damage.
“The way he (Kohli) constantly talks and inspires the bowlers is quite a treat.”
Kohli has already registered two tons in the ongoing series.
Popularly known as ‘Bumble’, Lloyd believes Kohli is a natural leader for the Indian team.
“He obviously gets the respect because he is a fabulous player, but you can see that the emotion apart, he is very honest with his players as well,” added Lloyd.
“There’s been a massive turnaround in this Indian team in the way quick bowlers have taken over completely and I feel Kohli is the perfect man to develop them. He looks a natural leader.”
Kohli and his men currently trail the five-match series 2-1 heading into the fourth Test at Southampton which gets underway on Thursday. The former England batsman feels India have the ability to pull off the impossible given England’s current batting woes.
“Well, no other team but for Don Bradman’s 1936 side has done it. So it will be difficult. But in England this season, teams getting 300 should be in a position to win and I believe India would be in the game,” Lloyd concluded.
