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Kapil Dev's interesting advice for current skipper Virat Kohli ahead of WTC final

Speed News Desk 28 May 2021, 15:54 IST

Kapil Dev's interesting advice for current skipper Virat Kohli ahead of WTC final

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has been on two tours of England since he made his Test debut for the men in blue. During his first tour in 2014, the right handed batsman was all over the place, scoring only 134 runs from 10 innings. However, in 2018, Virat Kohli changed that in style, amassing 593 runs from five Tests, which included two tons and three fifties.

Now, as the 32-year-old set about on his third England tour, he would be no stranger to the conditions there, but former India captain Kapil Dev has interesting advice for the current skipper, which will help him perform at his best.

"I expect him to excel. Can you really shackle him? He is a natural when it comes to adapting but I would caution him to not be over-aggressive. He will have to measure it session by session. He'll be better off waiting for his moments of dominance," Kapil Dev told Mid-Day.

"He will get his runs with a bit of patience. Trying too hard and too early doesn’t work in England where you need to watch the movement of the ball. If you play seam and swing well, show patience, you will succeed in England."

India will first lock horns with New Zealand in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) in Southampton starting 18th June before playing hosts England in a five-Test series starting 4th August.

India have faced defeats in their last three Test tours of England. They last won a Test series in the UK in 2007, whereas before that, India had won in England back in 1986, when Kapil Dev was the skipper.

Under Kapil Dev captaincy, team India won the series 2-0, and calling to mind the historic series, the former India all-rounder elucidated what the current team should do while playing in England.

"We played exceptionally good cricket. I want this team to remember that England in England is tough. They are a very good team when playing at home but then, it will also depend on how the Indian bowlers adapt to the conditions and pitches. Swing will be very rewarding and here I feel England are one step ahead of India," Kapil said.

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