Sehwag makes a bold claim on Kohli’s captaincy
Virat Kohli-Virender Sehwag (Image Source: BCCI/IPL)
The former explosive Indian opener, Virender Sehwag has expressed his opinion about the captaincy styles of Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli. He stated that while Ganguly built a team nearly from scratch, he has his doubts about whether Kohli was able to do the same.
Sehwag said that though statistically, Kohli is ahead of Ganguly, he could not match the team legacy that Ganguly left behind during his tenure. He expressed these opinions in an episode of ‘Home of Heroes’ on Sports 18.
“Sourav Ganguly built a new team, brought in new players, and backed them through their highs and lows. I doubt if Kohli did that in his tenure,”- Sehwag said.
“In my opinion, the number 1 captain is the one who builds a team and gives confidence to his players. He (Kohli) backed some players, some he did not,”- he added.
In the same interview, he also talked about the batting prowess of Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant. In his opinion, Pant as an opener in limited-overs cricket might be an option India can ponder with. While he also spoke about Pant and Shaw being part of the same team in the longest format of the game.
“He (Prithvi Shaw) is a player who can bring back the excitement in Test cricket. The opposition will have to think if 400 would be enough with Shaw and Pant in our ranks,”- Sehwag said.
Notably, India lost in the finals of the World Test Championship against New Zealand. But Sehwag feels that Pant and Shaw can play an important role in helping India win that trophy.
Speaking of Sourav Ganguly’s captaincy, India played 49 Tests under him winning 21 of them, while losing 13 and 15 of the matches ended in a draw. On the other hand, Kohli has led India in 68 Tests. India won 40 of those Tests and lost 17, while 11 matches ended in draws, Thus speaking of numbers Virat Kohli is the most successful Test captain of India.
