Kohli an ‘imposing character’, split captaincy won’t work for India: Nasser Hussain

Tags: England, India, Virat Kohli, Nasser Hussain

Published on: May 14, 2020

Former England captain Nasser Hussain is of the view that split captaincy will not work for Indian cricket at present since Virat Kohli is such an ‘imposing character’. However, he does admit that split coaching might not be a bad idea. Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh also backed Hussain on the issue of split captaincy as he is unsure how one coach can deal with players having varied mindsets.

Speaking about the split captaincy factor, which has worked well in England’s case, Hussain said during a podcast on Cricbuzz, "It depends on the character, Virat is such an imposing character, all-encompassing, it would be difficult for him to hand over, he wouldn't want to hand anything over. Whereas with England, we have Morgan and Root, two likable, laidback characters."

When asked about split coaching, he added that it wasn’t such a bad idea at all. “Coaches have so much to do, whether you should have a split coach, they have so much on their plate. Just to give you a fresh perspective like Trevor Bayliss for example. He cracked white ball for England, we didn't really crack Test match cricket. So maybe two different coaches would be the right way to go," Hussain added.

The ex-cricketer-turned-commentator expressed surprise at India’s poor selection tactics, particularly for the 2019 World Cup. "One thing they don't do well is selection like they couldn't get a number 4 despite having so many great batsmen. Unlike New Zealand, who have only that many players to choose from, India have so much of talent, that after two failures, a new player comes in and then a next," Hussain wondered

Adding to the topic, Yuvraj told YouTube channel SportScreen that he was confused how someone like a Vikram Rathour, who retired before T20Is came into being could coach cricketers in the format. "You have guys like Vikram Rathour. He's been my senior. He's been a mentor when I was playing state, but with all due respect, if someone hasn't played international cricket for a longer time than the younger generation that is prone to more T20 cricket and 50 overs… What are you going to tell them? Vikram Rathour might tell them about technique but there is no one to work on the mental side" a puzzled Yuvraj said

Speaking about current coach Ravi Shastri, he added, "I am sure under Ravi Shastri the players have done really well, they've won in Australia and done quite well. But my point is, as a coach I don't know how Ravi is, I've hardly played under him.”

Yuvraj retired from international cricket in June 2019, two years after he last played for India

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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