IND vs AUS: Kohli doesn't need to tone down his aggression, suggests Zaheer Khan

While the Indian skipper has copped criticism from Australian legends for his on-field behaviour, Zaheer has staunchly defended the combative Kohli

Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s aggressive appearance on the field during the first two Tests has garnered mixed reactions from the cricket pundits. A few former cricketers including Allan Border, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson have expressed their displeasure over Kohli's on-field antics while some have enjoyed it thoroughly.

Meanwhile, Virat’s former teammates – Zaheer Khan and Praveen Kumar – have suggested that he should remain the way he is.

“I would say (Virat) stick to what you know best. Stick to what has got you so much of success. You can't move away from your success formula. It doesn't matter what others are saying. Series in Australia have always like this,” said Zaheer.

Agreeing to it, ex-India pacer Praveen Kumar said, “Kohli played with aggression at the U-16, U-19 and Ranji Trophy level. What is the issue if he is showing the same aggression while playing for India? I have played a lot of cricket with him and I can safely say that he can't play his best cricket without aggression.”

Even Australian head coach Justin Langer loved the way how the visitors put their aggressive self on the field.

“I thought it was brilliant. As the two captains and they're trying to stamp their authority on the game and I don't think at any point there was any abuse or any real aggression to it. That's what we pride ourselves on, we've got a bad reputation in a lot of ways, but when there's a bit of humour in it I thought it was a good exchange,” he said.

Both the teams will be locking horns in the third match of the series, scheduled to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on the Boxing Day. While India have brought in Mayank Agarwal and Hardik Pandya for the next game, Australia have named an unchanged squad.