“Youngsters need to learn from him”: Gautam Gambhir on Virat Kohli after his masterclass in Chennai against Australia

In their opening encounter of the Cricket World Cup 2023, India emerged victorious against arch-rival Australia in a thrilling contest at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai. The match showcased some brilliant performances, with KL Rahul and Virat Kohli leading the way for the Indian team.

Former Indian Cricketer Gautam Gambhir showers heaps of praise on KL and Virat. The Former batter commended the ability of both the batters to soak in presure in a high octane clash.

Gambhir said

“Virat Kohli and KL Rahul handled the pressure excellently in the middle,” Gambhir said. 

Gambhir further said “The youngsters should learn from Virat Kohli about the fitness, running between the wickets, reducing the dot ball & putting pressure back on bowlers”.

“Virat Kohli plays low risk cricket. His dot ball percentage is very low, he keeps rotating the strike. Youngsters need to learn from him,” he added.

KL Rahul, playing a stellar innings, remained unbeaten at 97 runs, just three runs short of a well-deserved century. His innings was marked by elegant strokeplay and a calm demeanor, steering the Indian chase expertly. Virat Kohli, the veteran batter and former captain, contributed a crucial 85 runs to the partnership, providing stability and experience to the chase. Together, they stitched a remarkable partnership of 165 runs, which was the backbone of India’s successful run-chase.

The Indian team faced a shaky start with Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer all getting out without scoring any runs. However, Rahul and Kohli’s partnership not only steadied the ship but also put India on the path to victory.

Australia, after winning the toss, had batted first in challenging conditions and struggled against the formidable Indian bowling attack. Apart from David Warner (41) and Steve Smith (46), none of the Australian batters could withstand the pressure. They managed to post a total of 199 runs before being all out.

In response, India’s bowlers displayed exceptional skills, with Ravindra Jadeja being the most successful, taking three crucial wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav contributed with two wickets each, while Ravichandran Ashwin, Hardik Pandya, and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with one wicket each.

In the end, India successfully chased down the target of 200 runs with six wickets in hand, securing a crucial victory in their World Cup campaign. This win showcased India’s depth in batting and bowling, making them a formidable force in the tournament. The Men in Blue, currently the number 1 ranked ODI side, showcased their readiness for any challenge and their ability to perform under pressure. Their victory over Australia was a testament to their strong team composition, featuring top-class batters and a variety of quality spin and pace options.

With this win, India started their World Cup journey on a high note, setting the stage for more exciting clashes in the tournament. As for Australia, they will need to regroup and strategize to bounce back in the competition under the leadership of captain Pat Cummins.

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