'Virat Kohli has been exceptional for India' - Gautam Gambhir feels talk around Indian skipper's form is unfounded

Virat Kohli did not have a good time with the bat in 2021 in Test match cricket. The 33-year-old could aggregate just 536 runs in 2021, and scored his runs at a poor average of 28.21. Also, the right-hander could not score even a single century last year.

Also, in the 1st Test against South Africa, Kohli was dismissed chasing deliveries outside the off stump. Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir feels that the talk around Kohli’s dismissals in the 1st Test match are unfounded.

Adding that Kohli has been exceptional with the willow for India, Gambhir felt that the batting icon needs to let go of deliveries outside the off-stump and spend some time out in the middle.

“A lot is being said about Virat Kohli’s dismissals in the first Test match. I think some of it is unfounded and creates unnecessary chaos. Kohli has been exceptional in his run-making for India, he just needs to leave lot more balls outside the off-stump and buy time,” wrote Gautam Gambhir for The Times of India.

I want India to continue with Cheteshwar Pujara at No.3: Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir also added that he did not want Ajinkya Rahane to feature in the playing XI for India in the 1st Test. Adding that with a knock of 48 in the 1st innings of the 1st Test Rahane has won his place in the side for the 2nd rubber as well, Gambhir concluded by stating that he wants India to pick Cheteshwar Pujara in the playing XI for the 2nd Test match.

“I wasn’t too keen to play Rahane in the first game. But with decent 48 in the first innings perhaps he would have won himself a place in second Test match too. I’d continue with Cheteshwar Pujara at No. 3,” concluded Gautam Gambhir.