Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his confidence in Virat Kohli’s ability to bounce back in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Kohli has been struggling with form across formats, particularly against spinners and pacers. His poor run extended through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, as well as the Ranji Trophy, where he managed only 6 runs in his comeback match.
The struggles continued in ODIs, as he was dismissed for just 5 in a recent game against England. However, despite this lean patch, Gavaskar firmly believes that Kohli, known for delivering in high-pressure situations, will step up when it matters most.
Gavaskar recalled Kohli’s past performances in the tournament, particularly his crucial 48-run knock in the 2013 final, which helped India clinch the title. He reminisced about Kohli’s celebration back then, where he performed the viral Gangnam Style dance after India’s victory. With Kohli’s ability to rise to big occasions, Gavaskar eagerly awaits how the star batter will mark the moment if India lifts the Champions Trophy again.
Kohli’s Motivation to Win for India
Gavaskar highlighted that Kohli thrives on motivation and the prospect of winning a prestigious tournament for India will push him to perform at his best. “Kohli is a big-match player, and nothing will drive him more than the opportunity to score runs and lead India to victory in the Champions Trophy,” Gavaskar wrote in his Sportstar column. He added that Kohli’s celebrations after a triumph often reflect his passion for the game, making fans anticipate another unique moment if India secures the title.
Kohli has already experienced both highs and lows in the Champions Trophy. While he contributed significantly to India’s victory in 2013, he also captained the side in the 2017 final, where India fell short against Pakistan. The upcoming edition presents him with a chance for redemption and an opportunity to reestablish himself as a dominant force in international cricket.
India as Strong Contenders for the Title
Beyond Kohli’s individual form, Gavaskar believes that the current Indian squad is well-equipped to reclaim the Champions Trophy. He praised the team’s unity and the camaraderie among players, which was evident during the recent BCCI awards ceremony, where they enthusiastically cheered for one another. According to Gavaskar, a happy and motivated team is crucial for success in major tournaments, and India’s strong team spirit makes them the favorites to win.
With Kohli determined to regain his form and India’s squad in high spirits, Gavaskar sees the Champions Trophy as a golden opportunity for the Men in Blue to reassert their dominance on the world stage.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.