Virat Kohli similar to Sourav Ganguly, reckons RP Singh

Virat Kohli and Sourav Ganguly are from different eras but Indian pacer RP Singh believes the two greats have a lot in common. Ganguly hailed as one of India’s greatest captains, led the Indian team to many a series victory. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, has only just taken over the reins from MS Dhoni and is at the helm in all three formats for Team India.

The two captains also share a similarity in the way they display their aggression on the field. Ganguly, who led India to the final of the 2003 World Cup, was known for his attacking approach and the energy he exhibited on the field. He was vocal as a captain, something that Kohli exhibits with his team as well.

Ganguly, Kohli and aggression

In a conversation with Star Sports, RP said, “We get to see a lot of Sourav Ganguly in Virat Kohli with the aggression and the energy that they bring.”

The Uttar Pradesh pacer also mentioned that Kohli is the complete opposite of Rahul Dravid, especially with regards to the way the two players captained their respective India sides. In general, Dravid was always calm and seldom lost his cool on the cricket field. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, is synonymous with aggression and doesn’t hold himself back from giving it back to players who sledge him.

As far as captaincy is concerned, Rudra said, “Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli are totally opposite. Dravid is much more calm and comes to the game with tactics and plans. Kohli makes plans but does change it according to the situation of the game.”

He then went on to compare Kohli and MS Dhoni and pointed out how they are similar in the way they make bold decisions and stand by them. He also mentioned that both the players are highly respected in the dressing room, and they, therefore, abide by their on-field decisions.

Virat Kohli’s first notable innings

The left-arm seamer also shared the memories from the first time he had noticed Kohli’s batting. He said that it was back when India were in South Africa for the 2009 Champions Trophy. Kohli was yet to cement his place in the starting XI, but his knock of 79 runs against West Indies grabbed eyeballs. “That was the first time when we got to see Virat Kohli’s ability,” RP quipped.

According to the 31-year-old, Kohli’s best knock was his blistering 133 against Sri Lanka in Hobart. Virat stepped up to the occasion when India needed a win along with a bonus point to qualify for the final and took the Sri Lankan bowlers to the cleaners.