Former West Indies pacer Winston Benjamin says that Virat Kohli is not the greatest Indian captain and explains why he can’t label him as the “greatest ” captain of the Indian cricket team.
Between 2013 and 2022, Virat Kohli captained the India cricket team in 213 matches across all three formats. With 40 wins out of 68 matches, Kohli is one of the most successful Indian Test captains.
Kohli captained India in 95 ODI matches and 50 T20Is and won 65 and 30 matches in ODI and T20Is respectively.
Winston Benjamin Urges Sachin for Help
Earlier, Winston Benjamin hits the media when he urged Sachin Tendulkar to help out with some cricket equipment for youngsters at his cricket academy and ended up receiving help from sports brand PUMA.
“Yes, definitely it was a bit surprising because I was not expecting PUMA. Maybe one or two of the cricket fanatics or the cricket pundits who are in the sport will come out and help. But they really surprised me, it was a big boost for us to see them help a small academy like us,” Benjamin told the media.
“It transcends borders and it shows there are good people around and people have interest in youngsters. I would like to thank them for this kind gesture. We will look to make the best use of the equipment we have gotten so far,” he added.
When asked about whether he has received any help from Sachin, Benjamin said: “I spoke to one or two of his representatives but I have not heard back from them yet. We had a conversation about putting things together but I have not heard anything from them yet.”
Winston Benjamin Praises Azharuddin
At the time of asking for help, he had also revealed that former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin had helped him out with some equipment.
Talking about Mohammed Azharuddin and the help he provided, Benjamin who played 21 Tests and 85 ODIs for West Indies, said: “Well, I met Mohammed Azharuddin in 1986, and straight away, we became good friends. He called me a few months back, I said to him that I am trying to get some cricket equipment for my academy and he straight away said okay, no problem. He immediately sent me stuff and I am grateful for that.”
“I wish Azharuddin all the best. So far, there have been a couple of persons who have chipped in and we are very grateful to the people who have helped us. The guys are more focused now. We have come a long way,” he added.
Winston Benjamin on Kohli’s Captaincy
Virat Kohli who will now travel with the Indian squad to Australia to get part in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 has scored his 71st century after 1019 days. Kohli achieved this feat during India’s game against Afghanistan in the Super Four Game of Asia Cup 2022.
Talking about Kohli, Benjamin said: “I don’t think it would be fair to say that he is the greatest Indian captain. I would like to see Kohli more focused on his batting and just playing. I think he is a superb cricketer.
He is going to be one of the greatest Indian batters that I have ever come across. I think Indian cricketers have improved a lot over the years with players like Jasprit Bumrah leading the charge with the ball.”
“There is numerous amount of young talent within the Indian setup. I don’t think I can say he is the greatest captain. You have had some captains before him who were a little better tactically. I can tell you that he is one of the greatest batters,” he added.
Lastly, talking about West Indies’ chances at the upcoming T20 World Cup, Benjamin said: “It’s T20 and anybody can win on the given day but when you look at cricket overall and the requirement, West Indies are not consistent, I am hoping that we do well but I don’t think it’s a very good opportunity for them to try their best, but I don’t think they are going to be in the top four.”
India will play their first match of the T20 World Cup 2022 against Pakistan on October 23 in Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.
