‘Strong Leader’ Virat Kohli propelled his bowlers to get better: Vernon Philander

Former South African fast bowler Vernon Philander credited former Indian skipper Virat Kohli for playing a key role in the rise of India’s fast bowlers. The Indian pace battery has consistently delivered while playing in overseas conditions and has played a key role in the team’s success.

Meanwhile, under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, India savored great success in the foreign conditions. Under Kohli’s leadership, India registered their maiden Test series win against Australia in 2018-19.

Kohli, who is known for his high-class fitness, also got the best out of the fast bowlers and played an instrumental role in their rise.

“Every time India comes here, they seem to be performing better than the previous tour. In the subcontinent, Indian spinners have been winning the games but It’s just good to see the Indian team winning in Australia,” Philander told PTI.

“That’s a very positive sign for India to produce those sort of bowlers… It is also on the back of great leadership.

“Virat Kohli had been a strong leader who was propelling his bowlers to go and learn and get better,” said the pacer, referring to India’s historic Test series triumph against Australia in 2018-19 under Kohli.

Meanwhile, Vernon Philander, who was known for his accurate line and length, scalped 25 wickets in five Test matches against India at an impressive average of 18. Philander tipped Kohli as one of the toughest batters he bowled to in his career.

“For me Virat has been the toughest batsman because of the way he conducts himself. As a bowler, he never gives you an opportunity to settle. From the pure mindset point of view, Virat is a very strong character and as a batsman, he makes life really difficult for the bowlers,” said the 38-year-old.

On the other hand, Philander feels it is important to manage the workload of pacers in the big tournament like the T20 World Cup.

“I feel that you have to manage players as it is a big tournament…You want to make sure that those players get game time but the management of pacers will be the key,” he said.

Virat Kohli missed the first two Test matches against England, citing personal reasons.