Mohammad Azharuddin picks one player from Virat Kohli and Steve Smith

The former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed his opinion on the best batsman between Virat Kohli and his Australian counterpart Steve Smith. Both have been in exemplary form and have ruled every opposition who came their way. While their technique is entirely different, a lot of current and former players have been involved in the banter over one of them being the best cricketer of the modern era. However, Azharuddin responded diplomatically when he was asked about the same.

Indian team is currently in South Africa for the gruelling tour which comprises of 3 Tests, 6 ODIs and 3 T20 Internationals. While the team hasn’t won a single series in any format in the country, Virat Kohli’s side is being tipped to trump the Proteas in their own den. Azharuddin also has backed the Kohli and Co. in this case and believes that this is the best chance for India to beat South Africa. Interestingly, exactly 26 years ago he himself was at the helm for the first ever series in South Africa way back in 1991 since their readmission into the game.

Azhar feels Kohli is key to India’s fortunes

Mohammad Azharuddin has agreed that Steve Smith is currently in the form of his life in the longest format of the game. But he didn’t forget to point out the fact that the Indian captain Virat has consistently done well in all the formats. Though when asked to chose one player as the best among the two Azhar preferred to stay away from the controversy. “I think Steve Smith’s record is also good. But if you look at all three formats, Virat has really done well. I think both are best at the moment,” he said while speaking to International Business Times.

The former Indian cricketer also felt that Virat will be the key batsman on the tour of South Africa but the other players should also contribute. “He (Virat Kohli) is the key batsman but everybody has to rally around him because you can’t put too much pressure on him. He is human, he can also fail. At the end of the day, everybody has to do well,” Azhar added.

We bring you all the latest news and developments in the cricketing world.