Former England skipper Alec Stewart believes Virat Kohli faces more expectations than Sachin Tendulkar. In fact, both Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have a carried a billion expectations on their shoulders.
Both of them have been instrumental in the success of the Indian cricket team. Sachin Tendulkar served the country for whopping 24 years whereas Virat Kohli has done a marvelous job in the last decade. However, it would not be fair to compare them as they played in the different eras.
Alec Stewart said India has performed brilliantly under the leadership of Virat Kohli. India was able to bounce back to make it 2-1 when they won the third Test match at Trent Bridge by 203 runs.
“India is ranked No 1, and they put up a decisive show at Trent Bridge. Under Virat, India has become a very competitive and proud unit. India would have lost the series otherwise, and it was a very, very good performance all around. Kohli’s batting was exceptional. Virat is the best in the world and India’s bowling and catching was right,” Stewart said in an interview.
Meanwhile, there has been a day and night difference between Virat Kohli of 2014 and 2018. Kohli scored a paltry 134 in the ten innings of the previous tour whereas he has already scored 440 runs in the three Test matches. However, Stewart is not surprised by the transformation of Kohli.
“I’m not surprised at all. He is world class; I am a massive fan of him. Top players will always find a way to succeed. I expected him to do well, whether he played for Surrey or not — he has talent and mental strength to perform well.”
On the other hand, former England wicketkeeper believes Virat Kohli has more expectations because of the growing accessibility of social network.
“Both represent a country with 1.3 billion people and there will be massive expectations. But it’s a tribute to these people the way they deal with adulation; it’s more than just a game of cricket.
“It’s potentially harder on Kohli than Tendulkar because of the accessibility now — TV, radio, social media, online, these days everyone has an opinion. The spotlight is even greater now.”
Meanwhile, Alec Stewart also opened on the role of Jonny Bairstow. The England gloveman suffered a blow to his finger in the third Test match. Thus, he will have to give up on the wicketkeeping duties and play as a pure batsman. Bairstow is one of England’s best batsman.
“I fully understand he doesn’t want to give up keeping, and expect him to carry on,” he said. “He wants to keep wickets as long as he performs to the right level. And his batting and keeping have improved, he has done very well in the last 18 months.
“If the selectors decide, it is down to them. I know Jonny wants to keep as well and his level is outstanding.”
The fourth Test match will take place at Ageas Bowl, Southampton from tomorrow.