Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli were involved in an interview arranged by the BCCI, ahead of the start of the first Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai. The two stalwarts involved in a light discussion and recollecting the memories.
Gambhir is now the head coach of the Team and Kohli is an integral part of the ODI and Test setup. During the interview, the Head Coach credited Kohli for building the strong group of fast bowlers during his tenure as India’s Test captain.
Gambhir recalled how Kohli introduced the idea that Test matches are won by picking up 20 wickets and hence the team needs to have a strong bowling lineup who can pick those wickets in any conditions. He stated that this was the quality that made Kohli the best Test captain of the nation.
Gambhir also heaped praise on Kohli’s attitude as Test captain and backing his group of fast bowlers which had the likes of Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma, who led India to memorable wins in overseas conditions.
Gambhir credits Virat Kohli for introducing the idea of picking up 20 wickets to win Test matches
Virat Kohli will be in action in the upcoming Test series vs Bangladesh (Image Source: X)
“What you did brilliantly was that you have built a really, really strong bowling unit. Test matches are won by taking 20 wickets. Till the time you don’t have a strong bowling line-up (one can’t win). And that’s what made you the most successful Test captain in the country.” Gambhir told Kohli in an interaction on BCCI
“The credit has to go to you. As a batter, it’s easy to have strong six, seven batters but the way you identified and more importantly, the attitude you had on the field with the fast bowlers. Having Shami, Bumrah, Ishant, Umesh and winning overseas,” he added.
Gambhir and Kohli were thought to have a strained relationship after having been involved in various on field altercations during the IPL. However, both of them have put those thoughts aside and are looking forward to work together for the team.