Kohli key to India's chances: Amarnath, Kirsten

Kolkata, Feb 7 (IANS) Former cricket greats Mohinder Amarnath and Gary Kirsten Saturday singled out batsman Virat Kohli to be the key behind India's bid to defend their World Cup title under the testing Australian conditions.

While Amarnath said Kohli's aggressive style of batting was similar to Australian batting great Ricky Ponting, Kirsten who coached India to World Cup victory in 2011, hailed him along with South African Hashim Amla to be the best one day batters in the world currently. 

"Virat is the key from India's point of view. The way he is batting, his approach, the way he understands the situation and reacts, that is the key. Definitely Kohli is the key, but that doesn't mean you are going to win the world cup depending only on him. Everybody has to contribute," said Amarnath who played a key role in India's maiden world cup triumph in 1983.

Even as he expressed concern over the Indian batsmen struggling to adapt to the bouncier Australian tracks, Amarnath heaped lavish praise on Kohli.

"The only duo to perform was Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. Although he (Kohli) struggled during the series in England, he was quick to adapt in Australia and performed really well."

Hailing Kohli and compatriot Amla as the world's best one day batsmen now, Kirsten singled out the Indian as the one to watch out for.

"Virat is a tremendous player, it's just his ability to perform and produce results for the team and he is very good at chasing down totals. Presently Kohli and Hashim Amla are the best ODI batsmen. I believe he is going to stand tall among his peers in the World Cup too.

"India have a very strong bating line up but undoubtedly Kohli will be the one to stand tall among his peers," said Kirsten, who guided India to its second world cup title in 2011.

Observing that Kohli's style of batting was similar to that of Australian batting great Ricky Ponting, Amarnath also said the star Indian batsman was the ideal to bat at the crucial number three position.

"Virat should ideally come in at number three. He is similar in his style to Ricky Ponting. He is aggressive and ready to take the challenge and perform under pressure," said Amarnath.

Kirsten too seconded Amarnath's view of Kohli coming in at the crucial number three.

The Indian team recently tinkered with the batting order to provide balance to the middle order. That has seen Kohli moved down from No. 3 to 4.