Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni have very contrasting styles of captaincy: Darren Sammy

Darren Sammy has high praise for Virat Kohli’s captaincy skills

West Indies T20 captain Darren Sammy has lauded Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli for his aggressive intent and inclination to go for victory at all times, adding that he has very distinct qualities from his predecessor, MS Dhoni. Sammy was a teammate of Kohli at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during the recent IPL season and would have had a chance to watch how the star batsman operates from close quarters.

"Virat loves to be involved in the game every moment while Mahendra Singh Dhoni's style of functioning was to quietly do his things without saying much. Both are contrasting styles of captaincy but can be equally beneficial for the Indian cricket team," Sammy said.

Talking about Kohli’s batting style and unbridled passion for the game, he added: "Everyone knows Virat is a superb batsman and he has the ability to lead by example. He has that aggressive intent and wants to win matches.

If he can bring that same passion and intent in his leadership for India as he does for the RCB, then it will be a great thing.But this is for sure that he will bring his own distinct style. I wish him all the best for the ongoing Bangladesh series."

Sammy, meanwhile, also added that he was disappointed to not play a very big part in RCB’s campaign, having played only a couple of matches before being replaced in the side by South African all-rounder David Wiese. He is now looking forward to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) where he will be teaming up with Englan great Kevin Pietersen.

"It was disappointing (playing only two matches in IPL). I was struggling with a shoulder injury at that time. But after that I had a decent few matches with Nottinghamshire in the English T20 championship and I am now looking forward to the CPL.

“With a player like Kevin (Pietersen) in our side, we hope to do better than what we did last time," said Sammy, who is getting ready to captaining his side St Lucia Zouks in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League.”

The third edition of the CPL will be played from June 20 to July 26.