Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, who wrapped up the Indian tail in their second innings to inflict a crushing 146 run defeat on India and level the 4-match Test series at Perth has described Virat Kohli as a "fantastic captain".
The speedster has shared the dressing room with the Indian skipper while representing Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The verbal exchange between Tim Paine and Virat Kohli during the 2nd Test at Perth has garnered much attention of the former cricketers. Some have criticised the visiting skipper for his ‘aggressive appearance’ on the field while some have backed his attitude.
Meanwhile, Starc backed Kohli.
"I've played a couple of IPLs with Virat and he's been fantastic to play under, as a captain," Starc told reporters.
"Obviously, he's a fantastic player. The way India play this series and go about their cricket, it's up to them."
Starc was bought by RCB in 2014 and was a key bowler for them. The Aussie speedster was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders early this year.
Starc, though, was ruled out of the 2018 IPL season due to injury and was released from KKR last month.
On Sunday, Indian coach Ravi Shastri called Kohli "an absolute gentleman", while former Australian opener Matthew Hayden suggested Kohli was more Australian than Indian in many ways.
Kohli also received the backing of Australia coach and Paine himself, who said he relished his war of words with the combative Indian.
India and Australia are currently tied 1-1 in the four-match series after topsy-turvy contests in Adelaide and Perth. The two teams will face off in the third Test on December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
(With inputs from PTI)