Virat Kohli brings three things to India team that Ajinkya Rahane does not – Ravi Ashwin

Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane are similar types of captains, according to India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. However, Ashwin says there are three things Kohli brings to the team as skipper that Rahane did not show in his three Tests in charge.

Rahane led the India team to a stunning Test series victory over Australia earlier this month.

The 32-year-old replaced Kohli as captain following the first Test in Adelaide, with Kohli missing the last three matches Down Under to be at the birth of his first child.

India won two and drew one of those three matches, as vice-captain Rahane staked his claim for regular captaincy in the future.

When asked the difference between Kohli and Rahane as captain, Ashwin said there are quite a few similarities.

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But he did admit Kohli is more “expressive, communicative and in your face” than his deputy.

“Rahane has led India in about five Tests and Kohli much more and that’s the first difference,” Ashwin told The New Indian Express.

“I am totally blown away by the kind of comparisons people like to make when it comes to captaincy.

“All along it was about MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli and their styles of leadership.

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“People just want to pick on it and just talk about it because it makes the headlines.

“Personally, I feel that as a captain your achievements can only be as good as the team that you get.

“I feel this Indian team has had some wonderful results in the past because of quality players and human beings in the dressing room.

“Virat and Rahane have been captain and vice-captain for as long as I can remember now. They lend great balance to the team.

“As soon as Virat left, it was just an extension and nobody had to tell Jinks how things had to be operated and it was an automatic transition that happened.

“I wouldn’t say there is a distinct difference in their style of captaincy. It’s just the people they are.

“Virat is more expressive, communicative and in your face while Jinks [Rahane[ doesn’t do these three things. But the way they captain the side is pretty much similar.”

Meanwhile, Ashwin says he is not disappointed at not being given an official leadership role.

“I am not at all disappointed,” he continued.

“I go out there and make my own plans and get my fields that I want. The captains and vice-captains that I have played with have been very supportive of whatever I have wanted.

“Leadership is also about leading yourself and keeping your space upbeat for any situation that arises. If you can help another teammate that’s also leadership.”

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