Former Indian opener and current national team coach Gautam Gambhir has always been outspoken and firm in his views. One such instance occurred in 2022 when the ex-southpaw strongly opposed the idea of Virat Kohli opening the innings in T20 internationals.
Gambhir shared his opinion after the 2022 Asia Cup, where Kohli scored his first T20I century while opening. With the T20I series against Australia and the World Cup fast approaching, there was speculation about Kohli opening the innings.
However, speaking to Star Sports, Gambhir firmly rejected the idea, suggesting that Kohli should instead be a floater in the top order. He commented:
“Don’t start this nonsense about him (Kohli) opening the batting. He can’t open the batting with KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma (available). I even said this on air that there shouldn’t even be a debate about this. I will always be flexible about No. 3. If the openers bat out 10 overs, then I will have Suryakumar Yadav at No.3. If an early wicket falls then Kohli.”
Kohli’s crucial 59-ball 76 came while opening the innings in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. His innings proved pivotal as India won by a narrow seven-run margin. The 36-year-old also announced his retirement from T20Is after that match.
“I have no concerns”- Gautam Gambhir strongly supported Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma before the Australia tour
After Kohli and Rohit Sharma faced a tough home series against New Zealand, resulting in a 3-0 defeat, the 43-year-old firmly supported the veteran pair. Speaking at a press conference, Gambhir stated that both remain highly motivated and are working tirelessly, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
“Not at all. I have got no concerns whatever over Virat and Rohit. I think they are incredibly tough men. They’ve achieved a lot for Indian cricket, and they will continue to achieve a lot in future as well.”
“I think for me at the most important thing is that they still working really hard, they are still passionate, they still want to achieve a lot more and that is something which is very important.”
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