Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir lauded Virat Kohli for his fine knock in the second Test match against Australia, which India won by six wickets. Kohli scored a good knock of 44 runs in the first innings and followed it with another decent knock of 20 runs in the second dig.
The talisman looked in control in the first innings and his footwork against the spinners was right on the money. In fact, Kohli was a bit unfortunate as he didn’t have the rub of the green on his side with his dismissal.
However, the former Indian skipper looked assured in his defense and he was able to smother the spin.
Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports, “You will have all sorts of dismissals when you have longevity but the good thing is the control we got to see in the first innings. Virat Kohli has batted exceptionally well in this Test match, although he might have scored only 60 or 65 runs in two innings.”
“I have said earlier as well that nothing gives you more confidence than runs, but for someone who has been playing cricket for such a long time, how he is batting is equally important. I believe runs will come in the upcoming matches if he bats with the same rhythm.”
On the other hand, former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif feels Kohli’s knock was ideal for youngsters to learn how to bat on turning pitches.
“If a kid wants to learn about technique in Test matches, you should play like this – whether you score runs or not is a different thing but I am talking about the approach and organized batting on a turning track where everyone was getting hit on the pads.”
“He scored 44 runs (in the first innings) but looked absolutely correct. The decision to give him out will be spoken about repeatedly, but he was in control while moving forward or back. He didn’t play any ball half-cocked, he was either going on the back foot or forward.”
Many cricket boffins feel a big knock from Kohli’s blade is around the corner as he looked at his absolute best in the Delhi Test match. The third Test match between India and Australia will be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore from March 1.
