Virat Kohli and Steve Smith have very different personalities, says Matthew Hayden

Comparisons between Kohli and Smith that started years back have only intensified after the Australian team's tour of India for the four-Test match series earlier this year. After the DRS gate, things heated up between the two gentlemen - both young and leading world’s top cricket teams.

Australian legend Hayden, who is in India for giving his service as a commentator for the Tamil Nadu Premier League, was also asked to compare both the skippers, and he said, “I don’t think it can be done. They are very different personalities. I will say Virat is part of the modern face of India,” to PTI.

“A bold personality. He is a resilient personality as well and is prepared to take a stand. His natural game as is Smith’s natural game are almost similar. They are incredibly skilled and are the best players in their respective teams.

“They have a very different style of captaincy. One is a little here, kind of, while Smith is slightly laid back. Both have got extremely strong personalities,” he added.

The 45-year-old seems worried about the Australian players' pay dispute as it can hamper the team's future plans. For Australian cricket, there is a lot at stake.

“I think it will get resolved. but I am not sure how it will get resolved. That is because there have been mediation efforts and that have not been accepted,” Hayden explained.

He hoped that the issues are resolved before the all-important Ashes and the Indian team's visit.

“Plans have been laid out pretty substantially. There has to be a meeting of the minds. And, it has to happen quickly. We have a tour of India coming up as well. It is very important part of meeting the ICC future tours programme.

“There is a lot at stake. Not to mention of the Ashes. (Matches against) India and the Ashes are the premium test match events in the Australian cricket culture. There is so much to lose by not resolving the issues,” Hayden stated.