Former Windies skipper Darren Sammy believes Virat Kohli has got what it takes to lead India to the glory in next year’s World Cup.
Hopes will be sky high when Team India flies to England next year to reclaim the World Cup trophy they had won in 2011. Virat Kohli has led the team admirably ever since replacing the legendary MS Dhoni as skipper in 2017. In his first series, he led India to a win over England. In the summer of 2017, India made it to the final of Champions Trophy which was interestingly held in England. The Men in Blue then beat Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand to end the year on a high.
Earlier this year, Kohli led India to their first-ever ODI bilateral series win in South Africa.
So far, Kohli has done exceedingly well as skipper. And backing his captaincy skills, Darren Sammy insists the India captain has it in him to help to World Cup glory in England next year. Sammy said Kohli’s ability to lead by performance augurs well for Team India.
“With the World Cup being played every four years, he has to win the World Cup next year. I am not sure if he will be around when during 2024 (2023) edition. But I am sure he has the qualities to win India the World Cup,” Sammy told India Today.
Sammy, who led Windies to two World T20 titles, further said:
“We all are different leaders, we bring different qualities to our team with our leadership. Virat is one who leads by performance, he is a consistent performer. I was different as I led by motivation. I had a very good team in which I did not have the need to be a star.
“India has always been a force to reckon with in limited-over cricket and T20I as well. India won under Dhoni who I think has been a brilliant captain. I learned a few things from him as well.”
Coming to the World Cup, England will take on South Africa in the opener on May 30, 2019, at The Oval in London.
The tournament will last for 45 days with 48 matches to be played. India will start their campaign against the Proteas on June 5. The format for the 2019 edition will see 10 best teams in the world going head-to-head in a round-robin format. The tournament will culminate with the fifth final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 14.