IND vs AUS: The former Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has lauded Virat Kohli for demonstrating his unwavering commitment to cricket by heading straight into the nets after India’s defeat in the pink-ball Test against Australia on December 8.
Despite scoring a hundred in the Perth Test victory earlier in the series, Kohli struggled in Adelaide, managing only 7 and 11 runs in both innings as Australia secured a 10-wicket win.
Gavaskar Highlights Kohli’s Dedication
Gavaskar emphasized that Kohli’s proactive approach by hitting the nets the very day after the loss is a testament to his passion and pride in representing India. Speaking to the broadcasters, Gavaskar expressed his hope that this same level of dedication should become a standard for other players in the team.
“By going out in the nets today, shows his dedication. But that is what I would like to see from everybody else. He’s not scored runs. He is very proud of what he achieves and does for India, and because he’s not scored runs in this game, he’s out in the nets.”
Also Read: Are Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli’s Best Days Behind Them? Questions Arise After 2nd Test Defeat
According to Gavaskar, fans value Kohli’s commitment and would not question him should he fail again in the next match. Gavaskar added that his efforts show discipline and determination, essential traits for anyone representing their nation.
“He’s working hard, he’s sweating, and that is what you want to see. After that if you get out, no problem, because that’s what sport is all about. You will get runs one day, will get wickets one day, next day you will not. But you’ve got to put in the effort. He is putting in the hard yards, he is putting in the effort, and that’s why I won’t be surprised if he’s back amongst the runs in the next game,” he further added.
Kohli’s 2023 Test Struggles in Numbers
Kohli’s form in 2023 has not lived up to expectations. Here’s a quick breakdown of his performance in the ongoing year:
| Stat | Runs | Matches | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Runs (2023) | 373 | 8 | 26.64 |
Brisbane Test: Kohli’s Next Challenge
The Brisbane Test starts on December 14, and Kohli would look to get over his recent travails by winning it for his team. In this context, Gavaskar’s statement that Kohli could very well turn the things around by being disciplined may well be true.
Cricket enthusiasts and fans would love to see if Kohli can come back to scoring ways as Australia continues to dominate its home turf in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
