Indian captain Virat Kohli, who is popularly known for his on-field temperament is undoubtedly the most passionate on the field and enthusiastically celebrates wickets without a care in the world.
After having a verbal exchange with Tim Paine during the 2nd Test at Perth, Kohli faced some heat. While some have criticized him for his ‘aggressive appearance’ on the field, many have backed his aggression.
Windies legend Vivian Richards, who dominated the best of bowlers during his time, believes that Indian skipper Kohli will make his team win the third Test despite of the loss India faced in the second Test at Perth.
The Australian team 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.
The third Test begins in Melbourne on Boxing Day, before Sydney hosts the final tie from January 3 next year.
Richards feels that Kohli’s "stomach to compete" should drag India to victory.
"India has got a wonderful opportunity to win the series. They would have had a setback in Perth but they can still win. They have a captain like Virat who wears his heart on his sleeve and he has the stomach to compete and drag his players to victory," Richards told IANS in Kolkata on Friday.
The 66-year old West legend also said the Aussies are a formidable unit even without Steve Smith and David Warner.
"I am still backing them (the Indian team) to win the series but one should never ever forget, the Australians without Steve Smith or (David) Warner are still a formidable force. What they miss in talent, they will bring it in their attitude," he said.
Richards also said that though Kohli is his favorite player, but he still needs to finish his career before being named among the all-time greats.
"Among modern day players he is my favourite. I have various categories. I think we got to wait until he is finishing his career (to put him in the bracket of all-time greats). We would be jumping the gun if we do that now. But certainly, he is in a wonderful position," Richards said.
Terming Sunil Gavaskar as the "Godfather of Indian batsmanship" and a role model, Richards said India India should be quite happy to have such individuals.
"India have had its fair share of batsmen but the folks who can be called role models -- Sunil Gavaskar who is the godfather of Indian batsmanship. Sachin Tendulkar would have followed, and then Virat Kohli. India should be quite happy to have these individuals," he said.
Asked about Kohli's verbal spat with Australian Test skipper Tim Paine during the second Test, Richards said the Kohli did not cross the line.
"I don't think he crossed the line. I think the BCCI also said the same thing and I can only follow in those footsteps," he asserted.