India in Australia: Virat Kohli's Ruthlessness Impressive, Says VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman was all praise for stand-in India captain's Virat Kohli's ruthlessness and called him a proactive skipper. However, the former India batsman said he has only got the chance to lead because Mahendra Singh Dhoni is injured. (Kohli, Pacers Get Good Practice Ahead of 1st Test)

Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Laxman feels Dhoni is one of the best captains India have ever had and defended his poor record overseas, putting the onus on batsmen to perform in alien conditions. Dhoni, recovering from a cracked thumb, was ruled out of the opening Test against Australia and Kohli was named captain for the first time in the longest format.

However, the postponement of the first match after Phillip Hughes' tragic death gave Dhoni time to consider playing the first Test, which will now be played in Adelaide from December 9.

"Kohli is a proactive captain. I like it when he says he wants his players to be ruthless. But Kohli got a chance because Dhoni is injured. He is one of the best captains India have had. I Understand Dhoni's overseas record is bad but if the batsmen bat the way they did, what can any captain do?"

Earlier, former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar had also spoken on similar lines and said Kohli should not be rushed into captaincy with Dhoni still around. (Dhoni Gets New Hairstyle for Australia Series)

Laxman said he firmly backed India to do well in the four Test series Down Under. Refusing to make a prediction ahead of what is expected to be a competitive contest, the former India batsman pointed out that the visitors are equipped to be successful in tough conditions, thanks to a talented fast bowling resource.

Several former cricketers have already raised the pitch ahead of the opening Test. While Glenn McGrath believed Australia will blank India 4-0, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said the hosts would come hard at India.

However, Laxman said any tour of Australia was a tough one, regardless of who the visitors were. "Any tour of Australia is tough, not just for us, but any visiting team. I can't make any predictions but I firmly believe India will do well in Australia," Laxman said.

Laxman added that he was impressed with the current crop of fast bowlers in the Indian set-up. Varun Aaron, injury-prone and often criticised for poor line and length has struck the right chords already, snaring eight wickets from India's two practice-matches. Umesh Yadav was outstanding in the home ODIs against Sri Lanka while Ishant Sharma has started to settle down well in his role as the senior in the bowling attack. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was brilliant in England, finishing as the leading wicket-taker for the hosts and Laxman feels these men will be able to make the difference in Australia.

"I am excited to see India's fast bowlers doing well. The likes of Umesh, Bhuvi, Ishant and Aaron have done well. It will up to the batsmen to put up the runs on the board. In the end, it is all about playing to potential," Laxman signed off.