(Image source from: x.com/BCCI)
The Indian national team’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, expressed his admiration for star batsman Virat Kohli after his impressive performance in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia, where Kohli showcased his exceptional chasing skills. Gambhir remarked on Kohli's ability to strategize his innings and swiftly adjust to varying playing conditions. Kohli's brilliant contribution of 84 runs during the chase of 265 runs helped India recover from a challenging position at 43 for 2, leading them to a significant four-wicket victory and securing a spot in the Champions Trophy final against either New Zealand or South Africa. In the post-match press conference, Gambhir stated, “He is an outstanding one-day cricketer. He knows how to manage his runs, whether batting first or while chasing, and he quickly adapts to the conditions. This adaptability is why experience and top-tier players are crucial, as reflected in his remarkable record in one-day cricket. I hope he maintains this form moving forward.”
Addressing Kohli's recent struggles against leg-spin bowlers during One Day Internationals against Sri Lanka and England prior to the Champions Trophy, Gambhir came to his defense. He stated that playing over 300 ODIs for India means facing a variety of bowlers, and it’s perfectly normal to get dismissed by some. “He has scored a century and a score of eighty in this tournament, and eventually, when you accumulate runs, getting out to certain bowlers is part of the game. Rather than overanalyzing his dismissals to leg-spin, it's simply a matter of playing enough ODIs, and facing varied styles of bowling is expected,” he explained.
Gambhir also stood by Kohli and the captain, Rohit Sharma, noting that despite their lower scores in Test cricket, their capabilities in the 50-over format have never been questioned. “They have been outstanding players in this format for years, so we were confident they would perform in crucial tournaments. They have proven that in this competition. There was never any doubt regarding their skills, experience, or the essence they contribute to the team, along with their drive and determination within the dressing room. We were fully aware of their potential and what they could deliver in this tournament,” he concluded.
