A CAPTAIN AND A GENTLEMAN

Mansoor Ali Khan) Pataudi was a friend, we were at Oxford together. He was a gentleman in every sense. He captained in the old-fashioned style of good manners and what cricket meant... and was one of the loveliest men I’ve ever known in my life. He was just a gentleman in every sense and a great captain. Just like Mike Brearley was a great captain for England. He was another gentleman captain. 

It’s very difficult to be a gentleman captain today with so much money involved, also Twenty20 didn’t exist in the Nawab’s day. But his genius was that even after the terrible car accident, where he lost sight in one eye, he still captained India… he still adjusted… what a remarkable man! I’ve subsequently met his wife (Sharmila Tagore) and his daughter, I did an auction for her in London. It’s a remarkable family.

M.S. Dhoni too is a serious captain, a tough guy and a great cricketer. He likes to win. And he’s not only that, he’s an inspiration to others off the field and doesn’t mind coming in in a bad situation. You still haven’t won until you’ve got that blighter off the pitch! As long as he’s on the pitch, India are still in with a chance. He’s been hinting at retirement for the last five years. When I last saw him in London, he was hinting at retirement then! But Denis Compton, Colin Cowdrey and Len Hutton captained England at 40! Virat Kohli isn’t there... just yet. 

TOO EARLY TO COMPARE HARDIK PANDYA TO KAPIL DEV

Hardik Pandya is one of the top all-rounders right now. But he’s played only a few matches and it’s too early to compare him to Kapil Dev, who’s a giant of cricket, like Ian Botham, Sir Garfield Sobers... who are few of the greats. Give me a bit of time on him (Pandya)! 

Ben Stokes too we have to see if he’s the new Botham or the new (Andrew) Flintoff… we in Britain very much hope so! He’s had some amazing centuries and some amazing wickets, but I don’t like this instant judgement. Wait till his career is nearing the end before making these comparisons. But he’s class.

KOHLI AND TENDULKAR — A FAIR COMPARISON

I’ve watched them carefully. Sachin is a friend, which makes it harder to judge. I don’t know Mr Kohli at all, I’ve never met Kohli. Sachin and his wife (Anjali) devour my books, so I know them quite well. I think it’s a little early to compare them. Sachin had 100 international hundreds, including 51 Test centuries. 

At this point, it’s a fair comparison. Virat just has to keep going at the same level and he has got quite a bit to prove abroad. His home record is much better than his away record. But I have to admit, I think Kohli is as good as any batsman that I’ve seen. Really outstanding. 

PUJARA BEAUTIFUL, SHARMA TERRIFYING, DRAVID FAVOURITE, GAVASKAR CLASS

Cheteshwar Pujara is a beautiful batsman to watch from the current lot. My favourite has always been Rahul Dravid. To watch him was a real privilege, such elegance, such style, such charm... just like the man himself. He is an elegant man with charm, just like his batting. As I’ve said in your country several times, I don’t like T20. Cricket for me is V.V.S. Laxman and Rahul Dravid saving the day at the crease, beating the Australians. That’s my idea of cricket.

And as an opener (Rohit) Sharma. Oh! What a terrifying sight. If he’s there for some time, you’ve lost the match.
Sunil Gavaskar is a class individual. I’m not only a fan of his brilliant batting, but he’s also a fine man.

Also, a mega Test match between Lord Jeffrey’s all-time England XI and all-time India XI!

England XI 

Captain: Colin Cowdrey

All-round captain. Decent and sensible man. Cared about other people. I hate selfish cricketers. It’s a team game!

Openers: 

Alastair Cook

Len Hutton

Middle order:

Joe Root

Denis Compton

Ken Barrington

Wicketkeeper:

Alan Knott

Bowling:

Derek Underwood

Jim Laker

Fred Trueman

James Anderson

India XI 

Captain:

Anil Kumble

I’d make him captain of the team after his amazing display in Australia. He made Ponting look like an idiot. He behaved so beautifully and Ponting behaved so badly, everyone came out admiring Kumble. 

Openers:

Sunil Gavaskar

Rohit Sharma

Middle order:

Rahul Dravid

Sachin Tendulkar

Virat Kohli

All-rounder:

Kapil Dev

Wicketkeeper:

Farokh Engineer

Bowling:

Harbhajan Singh

Only if Kumble is captain!

Zaheer Khan

Javagal Srinath

What changes would you make to Jeffrey Archer’s chosen XI? Tell t2@abp.in