Virat Kohli has given change of culture to the team: Nasser Hussain

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain looked mighty impressed with the transition that the Indian team has gone through. In a recent interview, he reflected back at how the entire team has shaped up. India convincingly thumped England in the ongoing series to take a 3-0 lead.

They have completely outplayed the visiting English side in all departments. No wonder why Nasser Hussain heavily poured down praises on the Indian side. He refrained from comparing this side to the ones that have taken the field in the past. He commended the three spinner attack and the batting credentials of the lower order.

“Well I don’t like comparing era’s too much because side’s change, oppositions change. But this is a very very good Indian side. The areas that have really impressed me is the three-pronged spin attack and their batting abilities. I think that has been an amazing asset in these conditions so the batting is deeper. Sometimes in India you get seven out and then they were all out. So getting depth to their batting has been quite remarkable,” he quoted.

Citing yet another reason for India’s success, Nasser Hussain reckons it is the fitness that has made the difference. He rightly mentioned that it is Virat Kohli who has led from the front and the entire team has transitioned into a fitter unit. However, he looked concerned about the overdependence on Kohli.

“The other thing that has changed is their fitness. I think they look very very fit. The biggest thing that Virat Kohli has given to this side is a change of culture. You look at them on the field now they are very very athletic and that’s why their bowlers are bowling at 140-plus. India have two or three very useful fast bowlers plus Ishant Sharma to come in. There are still a few areas for concern like fielding, slip catching and the middle-order which relies a bit too much on Kohli,” Hussain quoted.

When Hussain played against India, it was the fab five of the Indian team that ruled the roost. The likes of Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag were a force to beat. He believes that the Virat Kohli-led side does not boast of big names but is covering up for it in the other departments.

“The point I’m making is that the top-five in this team aren’t as brilliant as the fab-five. When Sehwag, Ganguly, Sachin, Dravid, Laxman batted together, you know you’re talking about one of the great lineups ever in world cricket. Kohli doesn’t have the fab-five but they certainly make up for it in other departments,” Hussain concluded.