India head coach Gautam Gambhir has addressed concerns surrounding Virat Kohli’s recent dip in form, emphasizing that the star batter’s drive and determination remain as strong as ever.
While Kohli has managed only one fifty, a 76 against South Africa in December 2023, in his last eight innings, Gambhir believes it is unwise to judge him on a few matches. With crucial Test series against New Zealand and Australia coming up, Gambhir is confident Kohli will return to his best soon, praising his consistency once he enters a run-scoring phase.
Kohli’s Hunger for Runs
Gambhir reiterated his belief that Kohli’s hunger to perform, which has been a hallmark of his career since his debut, continues to define his approach to the game.
He stated that Kohli’s desire to score runs has not diminished over time and is what sets him apart as a world-class player. “His hunger is always there. I am sure he will be looking to get runs in this series and moving forward to Australia as well,” Gambhir remarked, showing confidence that Kohli would be eager to make an impact in the upcoming matches.
Players Shouldn’t Be Judged After Every Match
Gambhir also urged against constant scrutiny of players based on individual performances, especially after a single bad game or series. He stressed the importance of backing the team and allowing players the space to perform without excessive pressure. “You don’t keep judging people after every game,” Gambhir said, emphasizing that players need to be supported rather than criticized after every failure.
He added that what matters is contributing to the team’s overall success, and players should be given time to regain form.
Focus on Long-Term Success
Looking ahead to the eight Test matches India is set to play, Gambhir highlighted the importance of maintaining player confidence and keeping them motivated throughout a long season.
His role, he said, is to support the players and ensure that they remain focused on performing consistently over the course of the season, rather than dropping anyone prematurely. “Everyone doesn’t have their best days every day, but my job is to back them,” he concluded, underscoring the team’s long-term ambitions.
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