Gautam Gambhir advises Virat Kohli to not get personal on the field

Virat Kohli makes it to the headlines every now and then not only for his batting exploits but also for his antics on the field. The most recent and best example was how the Perth Test against Australia panned out. The game started on a stunning note for the India skipper. India were in deep trouble after losing both their openers for just 8 runs while replying to Australia’s first innings total of 326.

But Kohli showed his class with the bat and scored 123 to bail India out of trouble. But ironically the troubles started as soon as Kohli reached his ton and marked it with an interesting celebration. The batting superstar removed his helmet, put it on the ground, pointed to his bat then mimicked talking with his glove. The celebration made it crystal clear that the India skipper was in elements and his actions later in the game proved the speculations right.

From asking the crowd to make more noise, motivating and encouraging his teammates to celebrating every wicket wildly, Kohli looked in his elements. The highlight of the game was his verbal duel with his Australian counterpart Tim Paine which concluded with an interesting handshake after the game. Kohli did not look Paine in his eyes, thus drawing criticism from all around.

Gautam Gambhir has his say on Kohli’s attitude

Kohli’s aggressive antics in Perth has divided the cricketing fraternity into two halves. While the majority have criticized the 30-year old, some have sympathized with him. The latest to speak on the issue is Gautam Gambhir. The former India opener did not speak directly on the issue but hinted that Kohli should behave on the field as he is the skipper of the team.

“I’ve always believed that aggression is fine. I think sledging is fine and aggression is fine till the time you do it within the rules of the game, till the time you don’t cross the limit and you don’t get personal. Because when you are captaining the country, you are a role model for the entire country, you are the ambassador for the country,” he told the Quint.

Gambhir also opened up on the infamous incident of Anil Kumble‘s sacking as coach. Despite an impressive track record, Kumble had stepped down as coach last year, citing Kohli’s reservations over his style of functioning. Recently, CoA member Diana Edulji revealed that Kohli sent text messages to the board’s CEO Rahul Johri asking for Kumble’s removal and Ravi Shastri’s appointment.

“It was probably the darkest phase in Indian cricket. If 15 people are not happy with one person, obviously it is time for him to go, but if one person is not happy with a certain individual, you have to sort out your differences because ultimately he’s the coach of the entire 15-man squad, not just one player. There are 130 crore people who are looking up to the Indian team as well, so I am sure you can leave your ego behind because you have a far bigger responsibility to deal with when you represent the nation,” added Gambhir.

~ Written by Bijoy

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