Virat Kohli is here to win Test matches, not some popularity contest: Nasser Hussain

A lot of cricketing action has taken place over the last couple of days. Virat Kohli has been the best player hands down for India in the ongoing chase. Since the start of the Birmingham Test match, he has kept England on their toes, Right from his 149 in the second innings to him battling out in the fourth innings as India require 194 to win.

It’s not just the batting that has troubled the English cricketers. It’s even his celebrations that have managed to get at the heels of the English supporters. His mic drop celebration had him getting booed by the Edgbaston crowd. Former England skipper and current commentator Nasser Hussain asserted that Kohli must remain the same throughout his career.

Kohli is here to win Test matches

The Indian skipper has always been vocal in the field with his actions. This has sometimes helped him in getting the best out of himself. Nasser Hussain felt that even though English fans dislike him, he doesn’t give a damn about it. He described him as an upfront cricketer who is only concerned with winning games for his team.

“Virat is an in-your-face cricketer. He has been in the face of the opposition this week. I don’t like it when he is all smiley and happy as he drives this side by being thoroughly disliked. England dislike him and England fans dislike him. But he’s not here to win a popularity contest. He is here to win Test matches,” he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

Surprised with Pujara’s exclusion from the XI

The English commentator expressed his shock over Cheteshwar Pujara not being included in the XI. The No.3 batsman for India has been going through a lean patch for a long time now. However, Nasser begged to differ and stated that he would’ve preferred an old-fashioned test cricketer like Pujara any day.

“Maybe I’m a bit old fashioned but I look at someone like Cheteshwar Pujara, sitting there with his earpiece in now for three days. Yes, he was averaging 14 for Yorkshire and he’s out of nick but give me a good old fashioned blocker, ‘over my dead body’, see off the new ball cricketer every time. That’s the sort of cricketer I’m looking for.” he further added.

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