Mumbai: While India skipper Virat Kohli has come under criticism from Australian media for India's aggressive brand of cricket, former Aussie cricketer Shane Watson has praised Kohli for his leadership.
"Virat Kohli's captaincy is an iron-fisted dictatorship and Australia must brace themselves for the attack of the clones in Ranchi," Watson was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.
Watson played under the leadership of the Indian batsman in 2016 Indian Premier League at Royal Challengers Bangalore.
"I wouldn't say he's got a temper, he just rides the highs and lows of the game from an emotional point of view. He wants to win, he hates losing and as a captain that's how he's built.
"One of the things I absolutely love about Virat is he's got such a deep down burning desire to win and obviously he's up to pushing the limits."
Australia captain Steve Smith and Kohli were spotted exchanging words during the Bengaluru Test. The Indian captain also accused Australians of taking dressing room help for DRS referrals. The matter also reached the doors of ICC, after BCCI lodged a complaint against Smith and Australian batsman Peter Handscomb – who were seen seeking help from dressing room on DRS call on the fourth day of the second Test.
The matter was finally resolved after BCCI withdrew its complaint after a meeting between the two boards. Watson said that both Kohli and Smith are “ultra-competitive” and their tussle has made the series an exciting affair.
"I just know more than anything how much it means to these two guys," said Watson. "They're both ultra-competitive. Virat's outwardly more emotional about how much he loves winning. Steve has that same burning ambition ... he's just not as visible as Virat.
"I think it's two players who are the best in the world and in time they will be greats of international cricket. To see two youngish skippers going head-to-head like this in such an awesome series. A lot of people love to be able to see two guys putting it all on the line for their teams," concluded Watson.
