New to Test captaincy, but Virat Kohli's five-bowler strategy finds many takers

New Delhi: In his 7-year-old international career, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has already earned a big name for himself in world cricket and the legends of the game have hailed his aggressive approach to play with five bowlers in Tests to start improving their record.

Former Australian speedster Glenn McGrath, who played a key role in Australia dominance over world cricket in the past, backed Kohli's aggressive move.

"Virat has comments that he want to play aggressive cricket. He is such a top player and does not take a backward step. It is fine as he has got the ability and ability to back it up and play that way. I think India has very quality players and it is no doubt about that. That is the way he plays and he wants the team to play the game that way," said McGrath.

Adam Gilchrist, another Aussie legend hailed Kohli's risk-taking approach.

“With time, he will learn more about his style of leadership — whether he is prepared to take the risks in winning or losing a match. He is a risk taker and I think that will make for positive cricket,” Gilchrist, who was on a quick visit to India recently, said.

Former Sri Lankan speedster Chaminda Vaas too hailed the strategy to play with five bowlers and said that India were in the process of rebuilding under their new skipper.

"It is good that India are playing aggressive cricket. All good sides do, especially when they play with five bowlers. They are rebuilding under Virat Kohli and I like their aggressive brand of cricket," said Vaas.

While Kohli is yet to learn the trades of captaincy, Sourav Ganguly, one of the finest to have led the Indian team, said that Australia dominated world cricket for over a decade with five bowlers and it was a great move by Kohli as well.

"Australia were the best side in the world with four as they had four outstanding bowlers in McGrath, Warne, Gillespie and Lee. It depends on the team and the situation and at present I think it's a great move by India," said Ganguly.

In his first full-fledged series as Test skipper, Kohli slammed yet another ton, in the first Test match of the ongoing series against Sri Lanka.

After losing the first match from a winning position at Galle, India bounced back to ruin Kumar Sangakkara's farewell match at Colombo to level series 1-1.

The final Test will be played at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, from August 28.