Virat Kohli and Sir Vivian Richards compared after landing in Australia

As India prepares for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has set the stage ablaze with a bold comparison between Virat Kohli and West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards.

The former Indian spinner hailed Kohli’s fearless and aggressive approach to the game and boldly claimed that the batting icon’s on-field demeanor is similar to what Sir Vivian Richards had.

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan sets the stage for BGT 2024-25 with bold Virat Kohli-Sir Vivian Richards comparison

Sivaramakrishnan lauded Virat Kohli's on-field attitude and aggressive mindset, often seen in his fiery celebration, saying his emotion and aggression remind him of none other than the legendary West Indies batter Sir Vivian Richards' ability to dominate with sheer intensity during his playing days.

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He mentioned that the West Indian great was not only shattering the bowlers’ confidence just with his bat but with his piercing stare. Sivaramakrishnan said that he really loves to see all the emotions Kohli shows on the field and provokes the bowlers, just like Vivian Richards.

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan said on Sony Sport's Tamil Cricket Podcast, Cricket Petta: “Kohli's attacking attitude is something that he himself enjoys and celebrates. You should show your emotions. You shouldn't be like a machine on the ground. You should have an attitude like Sir Vivian Richards, who would intimidate bowlers with his eyes.”

Sivaramakrishnan hails Kohli's attacking attitude and MS Dhoni's calm demeanor

Meanwhile, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan also made a bold comment on two of India's most iconic captains—Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. Sivaramakrishnan said that Kohli's dynamic aggression and fiery leadership make him the best captain in Test cricket, while MS Dhoni’s calm, composed style makes him the ideal white-ball captain.

Sivaramakrishnan further noted, “Kohli's attacking attitude and MS Dhoni's calm demeanor. For me, the best red ball captain is Virat, and the best white ball is Dhoni.”

Furthermore, Sivaramakrishnan has reflected on the leadership styles of two of India's legendary captains, Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, sharing what made them stand out during his playing days. He praised Gavaskar as the best captain he played under while highlighting his exceptional strategic mindset and analytical approach to the game.

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Laxman Sivaramakrishnan praises Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev's unique captaincy styles

Sivaramakrishnan noted that Gavaskar was a captain who would always require justification for any request. He further described Kapil Dev as an instinctive leader who trusted his gut instincts to make decisions on the field. Sivaramakrishnan recalled a memorable moment from the 1983 World Cup triumph when the legendary all-rounder gave Madan Lal an extra over due to his gut feelings.

The former spinner also acknowledged the contributions of N. Venkataraghavan, calling him an excellent captain with remarkable leadership qualities. Sivaramakrishnan explained, “Sunil Gavaskar was the best captain I played under. He was very good with strategy and analytical in approach. Kapil Dev was a very instinctive captain.”

He signed off by saying, “He will go with his gut instinct. He gave an extra over to Madan Lal in 1983; that's instinctive captaincy. With Sunil Gavaskar, you can ask for anything, but you have to justify why you want to do it. If you do that, he will give you the freedom to set your fields and plan your attack. Venkataraghavan was also an excellent captain; he was wonderful as captain.”