The ICC World Cup 2019 has been a hot topic of discussion amongst the Indian public with expectations being sky high on Virat Kohli's men to lift India's third 50-over World Cup and give MS Dhoni a fitting swansong.
Much has been made of the Indian limited-overs team's uncertainty in finding the perfect combination of 6 bowlers and 7 batsmen within the playing 11 before heading to England in June. But one thing is certain – captain Kohli needs to be on top of his game to take India to the coveted title.
Kohli, the batsman, is in the best form of his career and there is hardly a doubt that he will do well in the World Cup, but it is his captaincy which will be tested as he will have to make tough selection calls.
Former Windies skipper Darren Sammy believes Kohli has it in him to do what only Kapil Dev and Dhoni has done for India.
"With the World Cup being played every four years, he has to win the World Cup next year. I am not sure if he will be around when during 2024 (2023) edition. But I am sure he has the qualities to win India the World Cup," Sammy told India Today from the United Arab Emirates.
Sammy went on to add that Kohli's style of captaincy will suit his team as he is a performance-based captain.
"We all are different leaders, we bring different qualities to our team with our leadership. Virat is one who leads by performance, he is a consistent performer. I was different as I led by motivation. I had a very good team in which I did not have the need to be a star."
In the same breath, he mentioned Dhoni who has been a 'brilliant' leader for India in the limited overs format.
"India has always been a force to reckon with in limited-over cricket and T20I as well. India won under Dhoni who I think has been a brilliant captain. I learned a few things from him as well."
