New Delhi, Apr 7: Australian great Adam Gilchrist has praised India's star batsman Virat Kohli and his captaincy skill and sees the Delhi-lad taking the Indian team forward in all three formats for a long time.

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Gilchrist feels Kohli, Australia's nemesis, has added spice to the long-standing India-Australia rivalry, both with the willow as well as his leadership in Tests.

"Virat is so impressive. He has learnt leadership in front of our eyes. When he is in charge (in Tests), he is very keen to fight fire with fire. I feel he is inspiring a nation and the team to go forward," Gilchrist, who is now Australia's Education Ambassador to India, said on Wednesday.

Though he lavished praise on Kohli and backed him to lead India in all three formats at some point, Gilchrist said one should never forget the contribution of Mahendra Singh Dhoni to Indian cricket.

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Asked whether it is the right time for Kohli to take over captaincy in all three formats, Gilchrist said: "It is not for me to speculate. MSD (Dhoni) said after the World T20 that he would be playing for a quite a while. He has been an amazing leader and contributor to Indian cricket. He can go on for long as he wants and Virat has at least 10 more years for cricket left in him. So he has got plenty of time (to play and captain India)."

Gilchrist has been travelling to India for almost two decades wearing different hats. It was during his playing days that both teams developed intense rivalry, something he feels continues to date.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)