Virat Kohli is a class player, says Mike Hussey

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is coming out of a poor campaign in the tenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The star batsman was miles away from his known form as his team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) languished at the bottom of the table. But ‘Mr. Cricket’ Mike Hussey feels it would not affect his performance in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

Champions Trophy is less than a week away. Hussey has picked his country Australia and rival England as the favourites to win the trophy. But he also feels that India will make it to the semi-finals from their group, along with South Africa. It will be the first major ICC tournament as a captain for Virat Kohli.

Don’t write Kohli off

During an interaction ahead of Champions Trophy, Hussey was asked whether the poor run of form that Kohli is going through will affect his performances at the ‘mini World Cup’. He quickly retorted by saying, “I don’t think it will have much affect at all. It is a new tournament in a different country, different team and different conditions. It’s all about starting well, getting some momentum and confidence going early in the tournament.”

The former Aussie batsman further added, “He is a class player and anyone who wants to write him off in this tournament will probably have to eat humble pie! You can’t keep a gun player down for long and I am sure he will be very determined to play well in England and show the world his class again.”

He advised the Indian batters to wait for the ball and let the ball come to the bat. “I feel from a batting point of view, you need to wait for the ball more and play as late as possible. In Australian conditions, as the pitches are generally true and you can go at the ball and hit through the line,” said Hussey.

He also feels that spinners will have a major role to play, as he said: “It is hard for me to say when I haven’t looked at the pitches, but if they are dry, then I definitely think the spinners will play a role in the tournament.”

Smith and Warner are crucial

Hussey feels that Smith and Warner will be instrumental for Australia to get success. “They always seem to be in good form! They are both crucial to Australia’s chances, they always are. It is good that they have been
playing cricket and are in good form leading into the tournament.” said Hussey.

When a media representative asked him whether there are possibilities of an India-Australia final, he shared a light-hearted moment by saying “Of course it can happen, if India can get through to the final! Just teasing you.”