4 Indian Legends who have criticized Kohli’s captaincy

Even after Virat Kohli managed to take India to its 9th T20I win, he has received criticism from several former players. Various former Indian cricketers have targeted Kohli, feeling that the changes he makes are illogical. Here we list 4 such legends who have hit out at Kohli’s captaincy throughout the ongoing Tour of Australia:

1. Ashish Nehra

Prior to India’s defeat in the 2nd ODI against Australia, Nehra was not impressed with Kohli’s leadership. Nehra felt that Kohli was making decisions too hastily, calling him an impulsive captain making pointless rotations. He believes that Kohli understands how to chase a total of 350+ when batting second. However, with some unwanted decisions, he failed to capitalize upon the opportunity. Nehra is good friends with Kohli, and this might seem a bit too harsh.

2. Mohammad Kaif

The most recent Indian legend to lash out at Kohli is Mohammad Kaif. Kaif had some strong words for Kohli, stating that he never backed his players when needed. This, in turn, has created a fear among players of losing their place in the team. As an example, he mentioned Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the 1st T20I against the Aussies. Kaif left that Kohli should have trusted the current DC captain and given him a chance to prove himself.

Kaif has compared Kohli’s captaincy with that of Sourav Ganguly. He feels that unlike Ganguly, Kohli has not backed his players in tight situations. He also added that the Indian skipper won’t be considered a great captain if he continues doing so.

3. Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir and Kohli have certainly not been the best of friends. The former Indian cricketer has openly protested Kohli’s captaincy on a few occasions. Gambhir feels that Kohli’s decision making prior to India’s defeat in the 2nd T20I is illogical at best.

Not only that, but Gambhir has also questioned Kohli’s candidacy regarding the RCB captain. He feels that since Kohli hasn’t won a single IPL trophy, someone else should become the captain.

4. Virender Sehwag

Last on this list is former Indian powerhouse Virender Sehwag. Quite a jolly lad, Sehwag is not one who is seen criticizing someone needlessly. However, Sehwag was clearly not a fan of Virat Kohli’s captaincy prior to India’s 2nd ODI defeat. Sehwag believes that Kohli should be dropped below or rested when not in form. Like Kaif, Sehwag also expressed his disappointment at the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from the starting XI. Sehwag believes that Kohli became captain only because of Dhoni’s retirement.

READ MORE Cricket articles here!