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WTC final great opportunity for Virat Kohli to lead India to trophy: Ramiz Raja

Raja believes that temperament is more essential than consistency and composure is key to seize the big moments.

By Nilavro Ghosh | Jun 9, 2021 | 2 Min Read

Pakistan cricketing legend Ramiz Raja recently spoke about Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s title drought when it comes to ICC tournaments, comparing it to football superstar Lionel Messi’s lack of international trophies. Raja said that the finals of big events are the true test for elite players and a stage where they can cement their legacy. He said that for such big occasions, temperament is more essential than consistency while showing composure to seize the big moments is what makes a player stand out. Under the captaincy of Kohli, India are yet to win a single ICC trophy. However, they will have a chance to win their first when they face New Zealand in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) at Southampton.

“Look at Sir Viv Richards. He always used to perform on big occasions. The WTC final will be a great opportunity for Kohli to score a ton and lead India to a trophy. He’s already among legends but leading India to the WTC trophy will be one more feather in his cap. A podium like this is a great chance for Kohli to enter into the club of ‘all-time greats’. He’s got the ability to do that. He just needs to manage his talent according to the situation,” Raja said in a conversation with India TV.

“Some big names like Lionel Messi are still yet to win major silverware with Argentina. It’s all about temperament. Performing in big games like a World Cup final proves a player’s mettle,” he concluded.

Kohli faces off against New Zealand in WTC final

India has been to two ICC tournaments under Kohli’s leadership so far. These are the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. In 2017, Kohli managed to take India to the final of the Champions Trophy. However, they were handed a crushing defeat by their arch-rivals, Pakistan.

In 2019, India was one of the favourites to win the World Cup and their level of performance throughout the tournament suggested the same. However, a semi-final loss at the hands of New Zealand ended Kohli’s title hopes for that season. He will once again go up against the Kiwis in the WTC final.