Debasis Sen, London: Indian captain Virat Kohli received a huge compliment from West Indian legend Clive Lloyd ahead of the Lords test match. Speaking exclusively to Xtra Time on the sidelines of Boria Majumder’s book launch event in Central London, Lloyd said, “I think Virat Kohli is top draw, he is box office. He is undoubtedly one of the finest players around. What I like the most about Kohli is his attitude towards the game. He has learnt to curb both his aggression and can be quite calm and cool.”
Lloyd, who himself has been the legend of the game feel Kohli is close to becoming a legend in his own right.
“He is very close to becoming a legend. He has done extremely well and I am sure he will give a good account of himself,” said the former West Indies captain.
The left hander finds quite a few similarities between Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
“Well his strokes remind me of a quite a few players like Tendulkar and Gavaskar.”
Lloyd led the most fearsome team in his reign from 1974 to 1984 that also brought two World Cups. He holds the distinction of leading West Indies at a time when they didn’t lose a series for almost 16 years. Under him, fast bowlers Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding and Joel Garner shook rivals without any protective gear. Gordon Greenidge and Viv Richards led intimidation with the bat.
Talking about Kohli as captain, the West Indian great said, “He is doing extremely well. It was a bit unfortunate in the last Test (India lost by 31 runs in Edgbaston).”
What about his aggression, send-off to rival captains? “I suppose you can’t be a pussy cat (laughs). You can be stern at times, as long as you don’t go over the line.”