Virat Kohli is still not at his best as a leader: Ray Jennings

Former South African coach Ray Jennings remarked Team India skipper Virat Kohli has an ability to become a significant leader if he would be guided well, however, has praised his approach when it comes to the batting ability in particular.

“Indian cricket, thus, has to find people who can help and influence Kohli into ways of improving and becoming an even better leader,” Jennings was quoted as saying by newswire PTI.

Earlier, Kohli has been wearing the heart on his sleeve and his aggression has somewhat instilled fear among the opponents as Holding during the ongoing bilateral series believed it could be intimidating.

Echoing the words of Windies legendary fast bowler Michael Holding, Jennings believes Kohli could be threatening owing to the ‘dressing room’.

“He can be intimidating the dressing room and sometimes his teammates can wonder who Kohli really is,” Jennings asserted.

Moreover, Jennings has witnessed the emergence of Kohli since the batting mainstay was representing the youth national side which further saw the former Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman was working as a coach for Indian Premier League Franchise (IPL) Royal Challengers Bangalore between 2009 and 2013.

Jennings remarked there has been a major change when India was led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni which further saw the emergence of Kohli as a leader reflecting the aggression.

“Going from MS Dhoni to Kohli has been a radical change,” Jennings further stated.

Interestingly, Jennings observed Kohli is supposed to do a lot while considering his captaincy.

“As captain, I think, he is still not at his best. The Indian cricket system has to feed off Virat Kohli,” Jennings added.

It’s pertinent to point out that, Jennings observed Dhoni has been brilliant as the leader while reiterating about the differences between two prominent professionals of the gentleman’s game.

“Dhoni is so calm and Kohli is the complete opposite,” Jennings said.

Jennings believes calming approach could do wonders for Kohli while remarking with the time the 29-year-old top-order batsman would become the better leader.

“With age, Kohli will get better and calm down a lot naturally. He will not be so aggressive and in your face all the time,” Jennings concluded.

The 63-year-old Transvaal-based Jennings has also praised Kohli for his outstanding run while stating the change is the must for such a star player.

Jennings played 159 first-class matches and 148 List A fixtures between the span of 1973 and 1993.

Follow ODI Series here: South Africa Vs India, 2018