Virat Kohli has got that personality – Matthew Hayden draws comparison with Sachin Tendulkar

As India gears up for the mighty challenge against Australia in Melbourne, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli, hoping for a turnaround of the tide. Despite a century in Perth, Kohli has missed out on the numbers in the following three innings, leading to questions on his dwindling form. Former Australian opener, Matthew Hayden opened up on what Virat Kohli needs to do and why he is going to be dangerous in the upcoming Boxing Day Test at MCG.

Talking to Star Sports, Haydos said, “There could have been magnificent wins. There could have been losses. There could have been spinning conditions. There could have been 100 different conditions that Virat Kohli could have batted in his entire magnificent career. In Melbourne he is going to have a good batting track. What he does need to do is to find a way to stay at the crease.”

Hayden also asked Virat to control his urge in trying to drive whenever he finds the length comfortable outside the off-stump. Stating further on Star Sports’ Gameplan, Hayden pointed out how Sachin Tendulkar pulled off a similar stunt and VK has a similar champion mindset like the Master Blaster which should help him to do better at MCG.

Haydos added, “Flashing outside the off-stump is something that he will have to resist. I suggest that, not a broken record, if he gets in line with the ball a bit more, and looks to play down the ground. I know that he is a magnificent cover driver but so was Sachin Tendulkar and he put it away for a day.”

The Aussie opener continued, “I was standing at the gully all day, licking my lips, thinking that it is magnificent, stubborn batting. I didn’t look like getting a catch that day. Yet, I felt that I was in the game the entire series. He put away the cover drive and he worked his way into the innings. He hit off his legs beautifully, he took the spin. He got the areas that were his concern and put a big cross to them and said, ‘Not on my watch today’”.

He concluded with a massive statement, stating, “Virat Kohli has got that personality. I’m sure that we’ll see it in Melbourne.” VK returns in action in less than two days’ time and India will be hoping to see the King hammer away the cherry at volition as the tussle for the WTC final continues.