Kohli and Smith mean business, they don't need to be friends: VVS Laxman

There are similarities between the two modern greats- Virat Kohli and Steven Smith. Both are at the top of their game. Both of them are natural leaders, and both the cricketers know their business well. Kohli and Smith might not be the best of friends, and the former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman feels it is totally fine, as they are not here to ‘ celebrate friendship’.

Both the captains were competitive during the Test series earlier this year, and they got under each other’s skin more often and not. Smith and his team had to face defeat in the Test series by a 2-1 margin, and they will be eager to take home the ODI series along with some good memories.

No. 1 Rivalry

“This is absolutely the no.1 rivalry. Both teams will fight hard and it won’t be any different this season. None of us gave the Aussies a chance in the Test series, but they were most competitive. Coming to Kohli and Smith, they are modern day greats. The impact they have had at the international level is exemplary. On field you mean business and you don’t need to be friends. They will be aggressive and will go all out. That is the way it should be because it is a competition and there is no friendship. They are highly competitive,” Laxman clarified.

Asked if this series would actually see the start of the preparations for the 2019 World Cup, Laxman had his say. “I believe the roadmap is already in place and experimentation has started already as was seen during the Sri Lanka series. The role of finisher is being fulfilled by Hardik Pandya.”

Laxman lauds Kohli’s captaincy

The former legendary batsman praised Kohli for his leadership skills. “The way Kohli leads the team, he is positive and proactive. He is ruthless in his approach and this team is looking to improve on its own and not looking at the opposition. These guys wish to execute their own goals. I don’t see any weak link in this Indian team,” he said.