Amidst criticism of Virat Kohli’s recent performances, former Indian cricketer and head coach Gautam Gambhir came out in strong support of the star batsman during a press conference. Kohli has faced scrutiny following a lackluster showing in the recent Test series against Bangladesh. In 2024, Kohli has played only three Tests and has yet to score a half-century, registering scores of 6, 17, 47, and 29* across four innings in the series.
Looking ahead to India’s upcoming Test matches against New Zealand, Gambhir backed Kohli to regain his form, praising his hunger and consistency over the years.
“My stance on Virat has always been clear—he is a world-class player who has delivered at the highest level for a long time. His hunger for runs is as strong as it was when he debuted. I remember opening with him in Sri Lanka when he made his debut, and even now, that same hunger is evident,” Gambhir said. “I have no doubt he will be eager to score big in the upcoming Test series and continue that form into the Australia tour.”
Gambhir added that once Kohli finds his rhythm, he could go on to score consistently, emphasizing the importance of these next few matches for the former captain.
Kohli’s Record Against New Zealand
Virat Kohli’s record against New Zealand speaks for itself. In 11 Tests against the Kiwis, he has amassed 866 runs at an average of 45.57, including three centuries and three fifties. At home, Kohli has been even more dominant, scoring 557 runs from six Tests at an average of 55.70, with two centuries and two fifties. As he approaches 9,000 career Test runs, Kohli is set to join an elite group of Indian batsmen, including Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virender Sehwag, as only the fourth Indian to achieve this milestone.
Gambhir’s Bold Prediction for the Future of Cricket
During the press conference, Gambhir shifted the focus from individual performances to a broader perspective on the game. He made a bold prediction about the evolving role of bowlers in cricket, stating that the era of bowlers is upon us.
“This is the age of the bowlers. Batters may set up matches, but it’s the bowlers who win them. Our obsession with batsmen needs to change. Even if a batsman scores 1,000 runs, there’s no guarantee of winning a Test, but if a bowler takes 20 wickets, the team is 99% likely to win,” Gambhir asserted.
He emphasized the crucial role bowlers play in all formats of the game, expressing hope that future discussions around cricket would focus more on the contributions of bowlers, who ultimately determine the outcome of matches and tournaments.
Gambhir’s remarks highlighted the need for a shift in mindset, encouraging fans and analysts alike to recognize the pivotal role that bowlers play in the success of a team.
