Former Indian opening batsman Gautam Gambhir has criticized star Indian batter Virat Kohli and stated that the right-hand batter played a careless shot that led to his dismissal against Pakistan. India and Pakistan were facing each other in their opening match of the 2023 Asia Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
While having a conversation at Star Sports, Gambhir expressed his opinion that Kohli’s dismissal against Pakistan was due to his lame shot selection. He also characterized Kohli’s shot-making as casual. During the match, Kohli managed to score only four runs off seven balls.
While doing commentary, Gautam Gambhir said,”That was a nothing shot, neither forward, nor back. I think it was a bit casual. That’s what you get when you play someone like Shaheen Afridi. You don’t know whether to go forward or back.”
On the other hand, former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis had a different perspective, he suggested that Kohli was somewhat unlucky. According to Younis, the ball didn’t come onto the bat as expected when Kohli attempted his shot. Kohli’s dismissal occurred when he played onto his stumps off a delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi.
“Kohli was unlucky. Inside edge, the ball didn’t come on to bat and maybe even kept a bit low. But credit to Shaheen Shah Afridi for altering his length,” Waqar said.
3 S is the watch word in Cricket – Saurav, Sachin, Sewag. These three rotated the opening stance that Team India needs to emulate. That Virat Kohli comes in at 3 would be better of at 4 – his standard slot. Best of luck Team India. When Shami was there choice of Shardul could be circumspect. R U still depending on tail enders
Must win games have batters from the top! The manner in which Ishan Kishan & Hardik Pandey batted is a lesson for the youngsters! Cheers!