Allan Border: Virat Kohli’s ‘in-your-face’ style of captaincy sets him apart

Kohli, Eoin Morgan and Aaron finch are three captains to watch out for in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, says the former Australia captain.

Allan Border is especially impressed with Eoin Morgan (right), under whose captaincy England has occupied the top spot in the team rankings. Virat Kohli’s India is second.

Allan Border, the former Australia cricket captain, has picked Virat Kohli, Eoin Morgan and Aaron Finch as the three captains to watch out for in the ICC World Cup 2019.

Border, who led Australia to World Cup triumph in 1987, said Kohli’s aggressive and “in-your-face” style of captaincy makes him a different kind of a leader than Morgan and Finch.

“Virat Kohli, I think he’s a different type of captain. He’s a bit more of a boisterous-type player and wears his heart on his sleeve,” Border told cricket.com.au .

“So the players know if they’ve stuffed up because he’s one of those really in-your-face-type skippers.”

England 'a dangerous side'

Border, who captained Australia in 178 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) refused to rank the trio in any order. But he is especially impressed with Morgan, under whose leadership England has occupied the top spot in the team rankings. “England, I think they’re doing exceptionally well. They’ve brought a different game plan to the table which is going to be interesting to see how it pans out in the World Cup. They’re a dangerous side because of it and you know as the bowling group you’re under pressure,” he said.

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“The way it looks to me, they might drop the odd game but they’re going to win enough games to get through to the semifinals and that’s what it’s all about. That game plan under Trevor Bayliss as coach and Eoin Morgan, I think he’s a seriously good one-day cricketer, and he’s as good a captain as there is going around. Tactically he’s very good and their game plan at the moment is a dangerous game plan to play against.”

Allan Border: "Tactically, I think they (Kohli, Morgan and Finch) all do very well." Photo: M. Vedhan

 

The 63-year-old former left-hand batsman was also impressed with compatriot Finch’s leadership qualities, especially under difficult circumstances. “Aaron Finch is doing a great job. He’s got a good feel around the group, I think that’s what he brings to his captaincy,” Border said.

“Everyone knows their responsibilities and it’s a good environment to play in. So that’s a good start as a captain. He’s done a very good job. Tactically, I think they (Kohli, Morgan and Finch) all do very well.”