India Tour of South Africa: Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has reckoned that Virat Kohli “might just become a more dangerous white-ball player” after being sacked from the ODI captaincy. Notably, the BCCI on Wednesday, named Rohit Sharma – who already taken charge as the T20I captain after the T20 World Cup 2021 – as the incharge of the ODI team as well. Follow more such sports news on InsideSport.IN.
India Tour of South Africa: Gautam Gambhir says Virat Kohli ‘might just become more dangerous in white-ball cricket after ODI sacking’
Gambhir has stated that Kohli getting relieved from the ODI captaincy might just be a blessing in disguise for the 33-year-old, who has 43 ODI tons – second only to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Also Read: Sourav Ganguly backs new white-ball captain Rohit Sharma, says he won Asia Cup without Virat Kohli
On Star Sports Show ‘Follow the Blues’, Gambhir was asked about Virat Kohli’s role in white-ball cricket going forward.
“Same as Rohit Sharma’s role in red-ball cricket, it’s just that captaincy is not there. It might just free Virat Kohli up much more. He might just become more dangerous in white-ball cricket with the pressure of captaincy not being there on his shoulders,” he said.
Virat Kohli is going to make India proud: Gambhir
Further, Gambhir – who won 2007 T20I World Cup and 50-over World Cup with the Indian team, expressed confidence that the swashbuckling batsman would continue to play aggressive brand of cricket and make India proud on the international stage.
“I am sure he is going to make India proud, he is going to keep getting runs in white-ball cricket or in red-ball cricket. At the same time, there will be two different guys probably giving their own thoughts, giving their own vision to the team.
“I am sure India will see the best of Virat Kohli, whether it is red-ball cricket or white-ball cricket. At the same time, the kind of passion he has shown over such a long period of time or the energy, you are going to see the same out of Virat Kohli, whether he is the captain or not,” Gambhir concluded.
Virat Kohli’s next assignment is the South Africa tour where India will play 3 Tests and as many ODIs. He will be seen leading an 18-member Indian contingent and look to win guide India to their first Test series win in the country.
Eyes will also be on Kohli’s long-awaited 71st century which has been loading since November 2019.
India Tour of South Africa: Gautam Gambhir says Virat Kohli ‘might just become more dangerous in white-ball cricket after ODI sacking’