AUS v IND 2018-19: Virat Kohli should not tone down his aggression, says Zaheer Khan

In the ongoing Test series Down Under, Kohli has copped criticism from Australian legends for his on-field behaviour.

The battle of words between Kohli and Paine was constant in the second Test | Getty

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan has said that Virat Kohli doesn't need to tone down his aggression as it has been the strength of him over the years.

In the ongoing Test series Down Under, Kohli has copped criticism from Australian legends for his on-field behaviour. The likes of Allan Border, Mike Hussey and Mitchell Johnson have expressed their displeasure over Virat’s antics in the second Test at Perth.

"I would say (Virat) stick to what you know best. Stick to what has got you so much of success. You can't move away from your success formula. It doesn't matter what others are saying (about Kohli). Series in Australia have always been (intense) like this," Zaheer told PTI.

Echoing Zaheer’s viewpoint, ex-India pacer Praveen Kumar said: "Kohli played with aggression at the U-16, U-19 and Ranji Trophy level. What is the issue if he is showing the same aggression while playing for India? I have played a lot of cricket with him and I can safely say that he can't play his best cricket without aggression."

Praveen also hailed the showing of India's pace attack which has helped the team to take 40 wickets in the first two Tests.

"They have been spot on with the execution of their plans. Bumrah has been providing that X factor, Shami has been in great form, Ishant has used his experience very well, someone like Bhuvneshwar is waiting for his turn and Umesh has got heaps of potential. Even though Umesh has had a tough game in Perth, he has the ability to take two three quick wickets like Bumrah and Shami," Kumar opined.

Zaheer termed the current attack as India's best ever.

"I think as a unit, yes (they are the best ever) when you look at the four five fast bowlers on tour. In a long long time, you can see the potential of each and every fast bowler including the bench strength," he said.

Despite India’s heavy 146-run defeat in the second Test, Zaheer feels the visitors remain favourites to win the series in Australia.

"The fact that you won the first Test, it was never going to be easy after that. Australian team was actually on the backfoot after Adelaide but now the series is levelled. But before India departed for Australia, they were billed as favourites. They still are," he concluded.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 20 Dec, 2018

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