Nick Compton draws parallel between Virat Kohli and NBA legend Michael Jordan

Compton shared his views on Kohli's captaincy as well.

Virat Kohli | AFPVirat Kohli is widely regarded as the best batsman of the modern era but he often receives flak for his leadership style.

While some feel Kohli is tactically not up to the mark, a few find his captaincy style overbearing for the Indian team.

However, former England opener Nick Compton doesn’t agree with it as he believes Virat is similar to NBA legend Michael Jordan, who wasn't "his teammates best friend but pushed them to perform and demanded higher standards."

See Also: Nick Compton recalls an episode of sledging with Virat Kohli during 2012 Test series

"What Virat (Kohli) has done for that Test team is very much in terms of the competitive nature in which he has led. I don't think you get a man who wants to win more than him and pushes other individuals. What comes to my mind is Michael Jordan's Netflix programme ‘The Last Dance'. Jordan for some teammates wasn't always the best friend they were looking for, however, when it comes to performance he pushed them, he drove & he demanded high standards. Virat Kohli is a similar type of character in that sense," Compton said on Friday during a conversation with sports presenter Dr Yash Kashikar on his Instagram Live show 'Say Yash To Sports.'

 

If there is one thing Kohli can get better at, Compton reckons, the Indian skipper should be more consistent with the selection of the final XI in Tests.

"The only thing he can probably get better at is trying to bring more stability to that team. I think the team changes too much for my liking. It seems that players who might have a more introvert personality might find it more difficult & intimidating. And perhaps question their place in the team and thus play with a bit more fear. So there has to be more consistency in selection," he remarked.

Compton, who played 16 Tests for England, believes Team India have a "very good top order," but "they are still lacking one or two solid players."

"There top order is very good in the right conditions but I still think it looks like if I was a fast bowler from South Africa or Australia, I have an opportunity to take wickets. So, (Cheteshwar) Pujara for me is an absolute key, Kohli of course speaks for himself. But they are still lacking one or two very solid players. They need that resolve & strength to win overseas. All credentials are there but India needs to be the team that are very hard to beat. They are not quite there yet but no so far," observed the 36-year-old.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 20 Jun, 2020

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