Kohli’s leadership is refreshing to see - Lance Klusener

Kohli’s leadership is refreshing to see – Lance Klusener: Former South Africa allrounder Lance Klusener enjoys a strong India connection. Having made a successful Test debut at the Eden Gardens in 1996 bagging career-best figures of 8 for 64 in the second innings – Klusener has more than a fair idea of what it takes to taste success in India. And in the wake of India’s upcoming series against South Africa he did not shy away from offering honest opinions on his team’s chances, Virat Kohli and a lot more.

He was full of praise for Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli, who recently led India to a historic series win on Lankan soil after 22 years. “He was refreshing during the Sri Lanka series. He led from the front and that”s what you want your captain to do all the time. As a batsman, he is one of the best in the world. I am certain the South African team management is going to have him in mind when planning their attack. India is lucky to have someone like Kohli coming through the ranks and doing so well over the years,” said the prolific South African allrounder in an interview with TOI.

Klusener hailed Indian ODI skipper MS Dhoni as world”s best all-rounder in the last few years. When asked about the dearth of them in world cricket currently, he opined “They (all-rounders) are there but they haven”t quite proved themselves over the years. We have been lucky that we have had the likes of Jacques Kallis and Shaun Pollock. I also feel wicketkeeper-batsman are genuine all-rounders in their own right. The likes of MS Dhoni, Adam Gilchrist are invaluable. The best all-rounder in world cricket in the last few years for me has to be MS Dhoni.”

Talking about the South African team, which will be taking on India in a marathon series, he felt the tourists will have to stay focussed on their core strength of seam bowling, even though the pitches are expected to favour the spinners. The former cricketer also said that the Indian seam attack is impressive, but the tourists are better in that department.

South Africa are set to clash with hosts India in a 3 match T20 series starting October second before the high-profile ODIs begin. Proteas will also play 4 Tests to conclude what would be a 72 day long tour.