Virat may need to tone down as captain, says Kallis ›

Live from Rotterdam, Sony Six &HD

For latest in sports, go to www.hindustantimes.com/ sport-news

STMORITZ(SWITZERLAND):FORMER South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis says while aggression works well for India captain Virat Kohli’s game, he may have to “tone down a bit” when it comes to leadership.

Having gone through a tough phase during the Test series in South Africa, Kohli faced criticism as India were beaten comprehensively in the first two Tests.

Speaking on the sidelines of the St Moritz Ice Cricket event, Kallis said, “He has been aggressive and I think it works for his game. But he has to see if it works for his team. It might be an area to tone it down a little bit. It brings out the best in him and I think he should not change too much for him. He bats well when he is aggressive within himself.

“As a leader you cannot always be as aggressive as he is, that is an area he will work on, he is still young in his captaincy. I am sure he will chill out a little more as he gets a little bit older.” BETTER AWAY RECORD While agreeing that the Test series last month was one of the most intense in recent times, Kallis said the Kohli-led team must improve its away record.

“One area India want to improve their record is their away record, especially on wickets that carry a little more than they are used to. But it seems they are making their strides and getting better at it. I am sure they would have learnt a lot playing in South Africa,” he said.

Praising the Indian pace bowlers, Kallis said, “They hit good areas (in the Johannesburg Test), that is what you do in foreign conditions. You obviously learn from previous tours and it looks like they have put South Africa under pressure.”

LEGGIES GET THE NOD

Kallis said he anticipates legspinners to play a big role in next’s year’s World Cup.

“Having a leg-spinner or mystery spinner is important. That adds something little extra (to the bowling attack). They (Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal) have done well, put South Africa in pressure. I think wrist spinners are going to play a role,” he said.

Kallis felt South Africa need more depth.

“South Africa have realised we need a bit more depth, (especially) when we get a few injuries. Not a bad thing, it can expose some of the youngsters to international cricket and hope that they learn a lot from that,” he said.

Aiden Markram, who was made interim captain for the limited-overs series against India after the first ODI, got the nod from Kallis.

“I do not know the set-up, I do not know him too well. But he is highly spoken of, expected to get the job.

“I have not been involved with the set-up but he seems to be have a good cricket brain on him and understands the game,” said Kallis.

As a leader you cannot always be as aggressive as he is, that is an area he will work on, he is still young in his captaincy. JACQUES KALLIS, On Virat Kohli