Richards backs Kohli on his on-field aggression

Image
Press Trust of India Sydney
Last Updated : Jan 02 2015 | 9:20 PM IST
Virat Kohli has got a new admirer for his on-field aggression in none other than legendary West Indian batsman Vivian Richards who described the new captain as one of those very few Indian cricketers who do not shy away from having a verbal fight with opposition players.
Kohli has frustrated Australia during the first three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar trophy, smashing 499 runs -- including three centuries -- at an average of 83.2, while also having some run-ins with a few Australian players.
"I love that man. People have got to understand that this game has changed quite a bit. Regardless of how good you are, you're going to have guys coming at you. You're going to have stuff being said," Richards said.
"As long as it's said in the best of manners, I don't think it's going to be too disruptive to that particular individual. When you have that sort of stuff, to me it always brings the best out of any individual. If you are up with your game and ahead of your game, for some reason you can respond," he told 3AW radio station.
"A little confrontation sometimes helps the game in a big way."
Richards said he has no problems for a player like Kohli who has backed up his recent verbal stoushes by producing big scores this series.
"Some of the past Indian teams would have crumbled with some of the stuff that's been said. But Virat Kohli is one of those modern-day players who's a little bull-terrier in his own right," Richards said.
"If you look at the scores he's amassed, it shows you he enjoys the contest. To come out smelling sweet at the end of it, it's a good feeling," said the former West Indies captain.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jan 02 2015 | 9:20 PM IST

Next Story