Both Did Well For India - Ajit Agarkar Says No Need To Make Comparisons Between Captaincy Styles Of Sourav Ganguly And Virat Kohli

Ajit Agarkar was recently asked to compare between two ‘aggressive’ former India captains in Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli. However, the former pacer denied making any bold statements, and insisted that there was no need to draw comparisons between the two “great captains”.

Both Ganguly and Kohli are known for their in-your-face attitude which is believed to charge their side on and force even harder for wins. Under the captaincy of both stalwarts, India have attained newer heights in international cricket.

Ajit Agarkar reckons while both are “aggressive” in their mannerisms on the field, they – and MS Dhoni too – have different ways of doing things. Hence, he believes, there remains a little point in comparing players from different eras.

“Sourav was aggressive. He was one of the most outspoken people I have seen. Sourav’s personality was different, Virat has his own, MS Dhoni has his own. Whatever helps your game, you try to do that, whether as a captain or a player. Maybe being aggressive and vocal helped Sourav on the field. It is probably the case with Virat as well,” Ajit Agarkar told Times Of India. 

“And why compare? Both (Sourav and Virat) played in different eras. Both did well for India. Both are great captains. Both have been terrific players.”

Ahead of the series, I thought India would be favourites: Ajit Agarkar

The former seamer who retired with 288 ODI wickets stated that he had picked India as favourites ahead of the series against England, considering a number of key players the hosts are missing. India took a lead in the series at Lord’s in the second Test, after drawing the first Test. However, things have gone downhill in the third Test at Headingley as Kohli’s side was bowled out for 78 on Day 1.

“Ahead of the series, I thought India would be favourites. Because England are missing some of their key players … England struggled against New Zealand in the two-match series … But India is a terrific team at the moment. India still have to play well. If they play the way did at Lord’s, India should win the series. You need to play well all 5 days of a Test match. For me, India are favourites to win the Test series,” the 43-year-old commentator predicted.

As things stand England are on their way to level the series in Leeds. At the time of writing, India trial by 320 runs for the loss of KL Rahul’s wicket at the stroke of lunch on Day 3, after England had posted 432 on the board in their first innings.

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