Virat Kohli Impressive But India Missed Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Finishing Touch: Gavaskar

Former captain Sunil Gavaskar says India missed Mahendra Singh Dhoni's experience while chasing an improbable target of 364 set by Australia at the Adelaide Oval. Virat Kohli's career-best knock of 141 and Murali Vijay's 99 went in vain as India lost the match by 48 runs to go 1-0 down in the four-match series. (How India lost the 1st Test)

"Wriddhiman Saha is inexperienced so can't really blame him. Having (MS) Dhoni in a situation like this would have helped India because he keeps the scoreboard ticking. He and Kohli would have looked for the big shots as well. But in cricket, there's no place for ifs and buts," Gavaskar told NDTV in an exclusive chat. (Proud of my team, have no regrets: Virat Kohli)

India recovered from the loss of two early wickets to reach 205 for two at tea at Adelaide Oval. That left the tourists needing a further 159 runs from the final session with eight wickets in hand and their two key batsmen still at the crease. Kohli and Vijay added 185 runs for the third wicket but the latter's wicket resulted in a collapse for the visitors. Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha fell without any substantial contribution. India were eventually bowled out for 315 thanks to Nathan Lyon's seven for 152.

Kohli's majestic innings came to an end in the 82nd over with a marvelous catch by Mitchell Marsh on the boundary rope. This brought an end to India's last hope. Gavaskar was all praise for the Delhi batsman but said shot selection can often script the end of a gritty knock.

"We should praise Virat Kohli for his magnificent knock. I am impressed by the positivity he showed not just in the fourth innings but throughout the match. He got out after scoring 141, so would be wrong to fault him. Shot selection may go wrong at times," Gavaskar added.

While praising the batsmen, Gavaskar lashed out at India's beleaguered bowling attack. "Positives are Kohli, Vijay, Rahane, Puajara's batting but bowling needs to step up," he said.

The absence of Michael Clarke - ruled out of the series due to injury, may come as a respite for India bowlers but Gavaskar said India has lost the advantage. "Despite the fact that Clarke will not be around, Australia still have a lot of batting. So, I don't think it would have too much od an impact. It would have had an impact if India would have saved this Test," Gavaskar said. (I may never play again, says Michael Clarke)

The former India opener also hinted that India will find it difficult to win the Test series.