Adam Gilchrist backs Virat Kohli after humiliating defeat against Pakistan

India’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 was subjected to a very bitter end on Sunday, as they lost their crown to rivals Pakistan after a humiliating defeat. The margin of 180 runs was a bitter pill to swallow for Indian cricket enthusiasts. The fans in return are blaming their captain Virat Kohli for all the nuisance. Chasing 339, none of the Indian batters except Hardik Pandya could offer stern resilience.

Virat had his catch dropped by Azhar Ali, which was followed by a big sigh of relief from the Indian fans. Only if they knew that the skipper will be dismissed on the very next ball. The modern master of run chases has been on the receiving end of all criticisms and harsh words from the fans.

But former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist feels one should not judge a player like the 28-year-old Indian captain on the basis of a single match.

“He (Virat Kohli) had some really difficult times in England previously. So he had proved that he can play over there. He strikes me as an amazing young man who loves and cherishes and relishes all the responsibilities. So I think he is the right man to be leading the team,” said Gilchrist, who is Australia’s education ambassador to India. He wants Kohli & Co. to learn from the defeat.

“Pakistan is unpredictable”

Except the Pakistani fans, very few cricket enthusiasts would have expected the Men in Green to clinch the trophy. But according to ‘Gilly’, Pakistan is an unpredictable team. “It was a big surprise to see the result, but Pakistan is unpredictable. India had a fantastic tournament. But it was quite disappointing not to win the most important game of the tournament, in the final. That is the limited-overs cricket. Anyone can beat anyone on any given day. And this tournament proved the same,” said Gilchrist, who is now in New Delhi to attend a friendly cricket match.