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Cape Town - India batting legend VVS Laxman has heaped praise on Test skipper Virat Kohli, saying the young batsman is a 'great ambassador' for the game, and is doing a brilliant job at leading the team.
Kohli took over as skipper in late 2014, and while MS Dhoni is still the limited-overs captain, there has been talk that this will soon be Kohli's job as well.
His batting average in Tests is nearly 45, and is over 50 in both ODIs and T20s.
Laxman said at his Dilip Sardesai memorial lecture, as quoted on Cricinfo: "Virat has been a great ambassador for the sport, much like MS, his predecessor as Test captain, had been.
"Virat has blossomed to become the key batsman in the side as well as the leader of the Test squad, his transformation has been remarkable.
"He is aware of his responsibilities as a role model, and has found a happy medium that has allowed him to be his own man.
"Virat knows what his strengths are and he plays to his strengths. That, and a sound knowledge of the basics, will ensure that a batsman can succeed in all versions of the game."
"You can still play conventional cricket and score quickly even in Twenty20 cricket.
Laxman feels that this all-round ability is vital for young players to learn, and not just focus on smashing the ball in the IPL.
"He is also a role model in the sense that younger players can draw from
him in terms of what it takes to be successful across formats," Laxman added.
"That's the message that has come forth from Virat's bat in the last few years, and I am sure youngsters playing the game and aspiring for higher honours will receive that message loud and clear."
