Underestimating Virat Kohli could hurt any side, feels Hussey

New Delhi: With ICC Champions Trophy on the door, former Australian batsman Mike Hussey on Friday said that whichever team will take Indian skipper Virat Kohli lightly will create troubles for itself as one cannot keep a player like him down for long.

"He is a class player and anyone who wants to write him off in this tournament will do so at their own peril, for they will in all probability have to eat humble pie! You can't keep a player like him down for long and I am sure he will be very determined to play well in England and show the world his class again," Hussey said.

Virat Kohli reached a new low in the Indian Premier League both in batting and captaincy. He failed to score much runs in the cash-rich league. Despite having some big names in the side, Royal Challengers had put a ridiculous show in the IPL 10.

Also read: India-Pakistan match same as any other game, says Kohli

Hussey, however, feels that Kohli's poor run with the bat will not affect India much as it is a new torunament and in different country.

"I don't think it will have much affect at all. It is a new tournament in a different country, different team and different conditions. It's all about starting well, getting some momentum and confidence going early in the tournament," he said.

Also read: Harbhajan Singh hits out at selectors, takes on MS Dhoni

Former left-handed batsman admitted that spin-bowling will get an edge at the three venues- Birmingham, Cardiff and The Oval. "It is hard for me to say when I haven['t looked at the pitches, but if they are dry, then I definitely think the spinners will play a role in the tournament," said Hussey.

Praising England team, Hussey said the home side is having the maxium chance of lifting the trophy owing to its well-balanced squad.

"England has a big chance to win it all. They've got a good all-round team. They'll be well-led and well-coached. They know their home conditions so well and will have that home support," said former Chennai Super Kings batsman.

India is placed in Group B along side South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan while the other group comprises Australia, England, New Zealand and Bangladesh.

Also read: Need to strengthen lower middle order batting, says Kohli

In its very first encounter in the eight-team contest, Men in Blue will lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan on June 4.