Virat Kohli would have been successful against 1980s Windies pace attack: Kim Hughes

The general standard of Test match batting, though, has "deteriorated in current times", according to the former skipper.

With his technique and temperament, Virat Kohli would have held his own against the likes of Malcolm Marshall and Michael Holding had he played in the late 1970s and 80s, feels former Australian captain Kim Hughes.

The general standard of Test match batting, though, has "deteriorated in current times", according to the former skipper.

Hughes, who played 70 Tests and also captained Australia during a critical phase, was considered to be a very stylish batter from the late 70s till mid 80s, before he quickly faded out after a slump in form.

"Virat Kohli would be a world class player in any era because he is tough, got a fantastic technique, and plenty of courage. He would do well in any era," the 68-year-old Hughes told PTI in an interview.

For Hughes, there is no one bigger and better than Sir Vivian Richards but Kohli would come just in the next bracket.

"Kohli would have been equally successful against the West Indies team of 70s and 80s. Maybe, he is not in the class of Viv, but suddenly in the top echelon.

"Viv was above everybody else, but Virat is certainly in the league of Greg Chappell, Allan Border and Javed Miandad, the best in my era," said the man, who had 4000 plus Test runs.