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Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has made a fascinating comparison while talking about Virat Kohli's unique personality on the field. India’s first World Cup-winning captain said that Virat Kohli is one of those rare players whose energy and emotions become one of his biggest strengths on the field.
The legendary all-rounder believes that every great player has a different style of handling pressure. He noted that some players stay calm and quiet, while others like Kohli perform at their best when they are full of passion and intensity.
Kapil Dev reveals the special quality that makes Virat Kohli different from everyone
Recently, Kapil Dev shared that Virat Kohli always had something special that made him different from other batters. He pointed out that Kohli's wrist work is so good that he can flick even fast bowlers through the mid-wicket and mid-on region with ease because he has extra time to judge the ball, which helps him to play his shots.
Kapil also hailed Rohit Sharma as one of the best players when it comes to judging the length of the ball. The former Indian captain noted that players like Kohli and Rohit are blessed with natural talent that cannot be taught. Kapil Dev questions Virat Kohli's Test retirement: "Shouldn't have left in anger".
Kapil Dev said on Sports Tak, "Because he had the time. When we flick, that flick is not on the third man, not on the final leg. He can flick the fast bowler on the mid-on and mid-wicket boundaries. So, he has a little more time to pick the ball. Like Rohit, he picks the length ball so well that the biggest player in the world can't pick the ball so well. So, some players have that ability. Virat had that ability.”
Kapil Dev compares Virat Kohli to John McEnroe and Javed Miandad
Speaking about Kohli's aggressive attitude, the legendary cricketer said that the former India captain reminds him of legendary American tennis player John McEnroe because of their fiery natures. Kapil also compared Kohli with former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad.
The legendary all-rounder added, “It's a little strange that he becomes more enthusiastic. But looking at Virat, I remember John McEnroe. Because until he used to fight, he couldn't give a performance. And Javed Miandad was also like that. Some players are like Rahul Dravid, like Sunil Gavaskar, like Sachin: keep your head down, play, and give your performance.”
Kapil Dev makes honest remark on Virat Kohli's on-field aggression
The 1983 World Cup winner admitted that he himself could never be as expressive or confrontational as someone like McEnroe or Kohli, but he really enjoys watching players who compete with such passion and emotion because it shows their hunger to win.
He signed off by saying, “Some players come in sports who take on challenges. That's why I took McEnroe's name. Even if he always fought the referee, I couldn't do that. I could never do that. But it felt good to see how much he could do.
And sometimes looking at Virat, I feel cool down and take it easy. But maybe he feels that enthusiasm makes his performance better. If it does, then why not?” Notably, Kohli will return to action with the three-match ODI series in England, starting on July 14.
