Virat Kohli can be future India captain : Wasim Akram

New Delhi : Former Pakistan captain and fast bowling great Wasim Akram feels that India’s inform batsman Virat Kohli has the potential to lead the national side in the One-dayers.

Akram, in his column on ESPN-STAR website, said: “Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin were, for me, the stand-outs. Virat is really talented. Not only with the bat, he turned it around with his fielding as well. He now looks a supremely confident player.

But there is more needed from him. I have long been saying that a batsman is complete only when he proves himself in Test cricket.”

Akram, however, feels that Virat has the same challenge ahead of him.

“His performances in ODIs have been really good, but now time has come for graduation. To be a Sachin Tendukar, a Rahul Dravid, a VVS Laxman is what counts and Virat must have that in his mind all the time.

If he works hard on all aspects of his game, he can be a future captain for India, I have no doubt about that. He seems to have all the makings of a leader,” said Akram.

Talking about his country, Akram feels that Pakistan really surprised everyone in the Test series against South Africa.

“Who would have thought they will be able to hold off South Africa in two Test matches? Misbah-ul-Haq should be given a lot of credit for the revival.

He is a seasoned guy and if the selectors keep faith in him and give him some time to settle he will make an excellent skipper.”

“Although the UAE pitches were dead as a dodo, I am not taking any credit away from the Pakistani team. After what they went through during the tour of England, a drawn series against South Africa was just what they needed. Younis Khan also justified his return by saving Pakistan on a couple of occasions.

Tanvir Ahmed also caught the eye with his six wickets on debut but we need to see more of him before reaching any conclusion about him,” he said.