Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja spoke on the opportunity of winning an ICC trophy for India captain Virat Kohli after failing on multiple occasions in his captaincy stint. India have only reached the final of ICC 2017 Champions Trophy, and the semi-final of ICC 2019 World Cup under Kohli's leadership.
Team India will play New Zealand in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final and Raja believes it's time for Kohli to enter the club of all-time greats with the title win. He further compared Kohli's trophy drought as India captain with Argentine legend Lionel Messi.
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“Look at Sir Viv Richards. He always used to perform on big occasions. The WTC final will be a great opportunity for Kohli to score a ton and lead India to a trophy,” Ramiz Raja said on India TV.
“He’s already among legends but leading India to the WTC trophy will be one more feather in his cap. A podium like this is a great chance for Kohli to enter into the club of ‘all-time greats’. He’s got the ability to do that,” he added. “He just needs to manage his talent according to the situation,” he explained.
Messi has also not won a major tournament for Argentina despite being one of the best footballers. Raja feels performing on big stages like a World Cup final shows a player's character.
“Some big names like Lionel Messi are still yet to win major silverware with Argentina. It’s all about temperament. Performing in big games like a World Cup final proves a player’s mettle,” Raja added.
Team India are currently in England ahead of the WTC final, which is scheduled to be played from June 18.