Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman has lauded Virat Kohli for the way he led the team in the second Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. Kohli rested for the first Test in Kanpur and came back to lead the side in the second Test. India won the Test by 372 runs registering their biggest win in terms of runs.
During a discussion on Star Sports, VVS Laxman was asked about the importance of Virat Kohli playing a Test ahead of the South Africa series, considering that the Indian team also has a new coaching group. He responded:
“Absolutely, it was very important. The trust between the captain and the coach is very important if you want the team atmosphere to be maintained nicely. The intensity with which Virat Kohli plays, not only with the bat, he not only encourages his players but the crowd as well. Virat Kohli as a captain is invaluable.”
The 372-run victory is #TeamIndia's biggest victory by runs in Test cricket! #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/Kfrpb1zv3i
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 6, 2021
The former Indian cricketer also highlighted the trust Virat Kohli shows in his bowlers.
I believe Virat Kohli is a bowler’s captain because when we talk to Shami, Umesh or Siraj – the confidence he shows in the bowlers and gives them the confidence to make their gameplan and set their fields and that he will back them. The mutual trust between a bowler and the captain becomes very important.”
Kohli now has 39 Test wins as skipper and is the only cricketer to be a part of 50 wins for India across all formats.
Congratulations @imVkohli. The first player with 50 international wins in each format of the game.#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/51zC4hceku
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 6, 2021
Laxman further said that Virat Kohli will not be too bothered about his century drought in international cricket. He scored his last ton in 2019 against Bangladesh and since then has failed to get to another century in international cricket.
Virat Kohli Will Not Be Thinking Too Much: VVS Laxman
![Virat Kohli has not scored a Test century for two years [P/C: BCCI]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/12/3dbab-16387086189658-1920.jpg)
“I will also expect that what we are discussing so much, that when will the century come, Virat Kohli will not be thinking too much about that because he knows the more time he spends at the crease, the more pressure will come on the opposition bowlers” he concluded saying.
