Team India under the leadership of Virat Kohli are doing wonders lately, be it in Test cricket or limited-overs format. They are the numero uno Test side for the last three years and are few points behind the World Champions England in the ICC ODI rankings.
Moreover, India started their World Test Championship campaign in a grand fashion, whitewashing West Indies (2-0 away) and South Africa (3-0 home) in back-to-back series to secure 240 points.
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No wonder, former cricketers including the Caribbean batting legend Brian Lara is in awe of the current Indian side.
"India are very tough team to beat at home. And now they have the advantage of playing most of their upcoming Test matches at home, so they will be a tough outfit to beat," Lara told Khaleej Times.
"They already have developed a lead. It's only going to get wider because of the teams they are going to play against at home."
The former West Indies captain then praised the BCCI for India’s much-improved showing away from home in the last 10-15 years.
"India have also travelled better in the last 10-15 years. So, you know, credit must be given to Indian cricket board. Looking at the entire set up, they are very strong wherever they go, wherever they play," he said.
"And they are very well led by Virat Kohli. They are a very professional outfit. Now they have got a new president in Sourav Ganguly. I think Indian cricket could be in a place where they can smile."
Lara, who has 11953 Test runs and 10405 ODI runs to his name, also shared his two cents on the top batsmen in the world currently.
"I think technically Virat Kohli is very sound. Steve Smith is unbelievable. The runs he scored in England, coming back from the ban, is just tremendous," the left-handed magician said.
"But it's great to have that competition. I like Virat Kohli, but that doesn't take away anything from the handful of cricketers that are vying for the top spot. There is Kane Williamson, there is Joe Root and, of course, Steve Smith. All these guys are great cricketers which is great for the game.
"And I agree Smith's technique is unique and yet he knows how to score runs. But, you know, it's a matter of preference, it's the style. It's amazing to see Smith's stats in Test cricket, but if someone is averaging 45 and I like watching him bat, and I will go watch him bat. You could rack up the numbers, it's good, but it's also about the entertainment."
