'Leader always remains a leader' - Ajay Jadeja on Virat Kohli giving directives in 1st West Indies ODI

Even though Virat Kohli could not make a mark with the bat in the first One Day International against the West Indies, he sure made his presence felt in the field during India’s fielding. The former skipper was at his animated best in the field at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. He also helped skipper Rohit Sharma in taking a successful DRS review.

Rohit might have been the skipper, but that didn’t hold Kohli back from being his usual self in the field. Being lively as ever in the field, It was a treat to watch for the Indian fans when Kohli helped the current skipper Sharma take a successful review and celebrate Keiron Pollard’s wicket together.

The incident occurred during the 21st over when leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal bowled a leg-break that ripped sharply after drawing Windies batter Shamarh Brooks forwards, taking the edge to the keeper. Even though a few Indian players thought the sound was the bat hitting the pad, Chahal was convinced that the batter had knicked it and he was ably backed by his former RCB skipper Virat. India had a great day with respect to DRS, getting it right thrice when the West Indies were batting.

Former Indian batter Ajay Jadeja said that flamboyant player like Kohli should continue with their approach. He also said that Kohli’s exit from captaincy doesn’t sideline him as he had leadership qualities even during his early days with the Indian team. Virat’s leadership qualities were there for one to see even before he started playing for the senior side. He was the skipper of the Indian side that won the under-19 World Cup in 2008.

Virat Kohli wasn’t a backbencher who became the captain: Ajay Jadeja

“Sport is an instinctive thing. You have captained India in so many games and played a key role in making moves. You will react the same way even when you are not leading the team. He wasn’t a backbencher who became the captain. Even he was not the captain, he had leadership qualities. No one had told Virat to pick up Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders after India won the 2011 World Cup,” said Jadeja on Cricbuzz.

“He’s always been a leader and I doubt if he holds back. His energy and mindset made him successful and five people who have been appointed by someone else now feel that Virat’s not the captain. But his quality and skills are still the same. Players and selectors come and go but a leader always remains a leader,” he further added.