Virat Kohli should follow MS Dhoni's example as captain: Steve Waugh
Australian legend and World Cup-winning captain Steve Waugh has urged Virat Kohli to quickly learn to keep his emotions in check and mature as a captain from none other than MS Dhoni.
Kohli has been one of the best batsmen in the world across all three formats over the last 3-4 years but has unfortunately been susceptible to losing his cool in public on quite a few occasions. He was in the eye of the storm after his spat with an Indian journalist during the World Cup and also hit out at his critics after returning home for criticising him for India’s semi-final exit at the World Cup, saying that no other batsman has won India as many matches as he has in recent times.
“Kohli has to mature. He had a few issues this World Cup. He gets a bit too animated, bit too emotional, bit too personal on some issues. As a captain you have got to develop a thick skin and Dhoni has that, nothing gets through him. So he would be a good role model for Kohli. He has to be his own man but also take a bit of what Dhoni has,” Waugh said.
"Dhoni has never been bothered about what people say. The external things don't influence him. He just keeps it simple, goes about his job in the best that he can do on the field. I like Kohli's passion. You can't be there starting every fight when he is a captain. He has to pull it back. He doesn't have to lose that passion but just have to be a little more smart in the way he does things," he added.
I’m not the right candidate to coach India: Waugh
When asked if he would be interested in taking up the job of India’s coach if offered, considering that Duncan Fletcher’s contract as head coach has expired and is unlikely to be renewed, Waugh said: "I haven't thought about it. I am not the right candidate right now. I have a good understanding of the game but I don't have coaching experience. It is a difficult job coaching India. You have to know the culture, there is a lot of expectations from the team.
"I also have three teenagers at home now, besides some business commitments. It is a great job and it would be an honour, may be five years down the line I might take it up but not now," he concluded.