Kohli draws a parallel vs Smith

PUNE: It was in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval during India’s tour to Australia that Virat Kohli had been asked to prove his credentials as captain after MS Dhoni had injured himself. In the second Test, a similar story followed in the opposition camp as a young Steve Smith was asked to lead a side replacing Michael Clarke.

Since then, the two have slammed nine centuries as captain, scored over 2,000 runs in around 20 Tests, and stamped their authority in the longest format of the game.

Kohli stated that the urge to perform with extra responsibility is what drives him and his counterpart in the opposition camp as well.

“I can speak from a personal point of view. Captaincy doesn’t allow you to be complacent at any stage. Especially with the bat for me,” Kohli said.

In 23 Tests as captain, Kohli has 2,353 runs under his belt at an average of 67.22 and has led the side to 19 unbeaten Tests on the trot.

For Steve Smith, who started out as a leg-spinner in Lord’s back in 2010, the rise has been even more special. His batting average as captain stands at a staggering 73.73, 13 more than his overall average of 60.15.

Kohli lauded Smith. “I think he’s taken to captaincy with me and he’s performing consistently with the bat. It’s the same scenario as well…”

“The extra responsibility has urged him to focus a bit more in certain situations and push that much extra for his team.”