Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's Form A Point Of Concern? Gautam Gambhir Gives Big 'Hunger' Verdict
Indian cricket team star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli faced a lot of criticism following their team's humiliating Test series loss against New Zealand at home.
Indian cricket team star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli faced a lot of criticism following their team's humiliating Test series loss against New Zealand at home. Both cricketers struggled massively to score runs and their problems against spin bowling resulted in criticism from both experts as well as fans. In the press conference ahead of the team's departure for the Test series against Australia, head coach Gautam Gambhir was asked about the duo's form but he had a straightforward answer to the query.
“I have no concerns over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli form. The hunger in that dressing room in important for me and I feel there is a lot of hunger,” Gambhir said at the press conference.
Gambhir put up a stout defence of under-pressure skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli, saying they are still "incredibly hungry" to perform and will bounce back in Australia. Gambhir also dismissed theories that he is under pressure after India's 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand.
"There are incredible people in the dressing room who have done a great job," Gambhir said during the pre-departure press conference.
"I am not feeling the heat. It's an honour and privilege to coach the Indian team." The first Test starts in Perth on November 22.
When asked if he feels pressure like Duncan Fletcher's time when team was in transition, he replied: "I am not thinking about transition but the five Test matches. Transition or no transition, if that has to happen, will happen but I see some incredibly tough characters in that dressing room who are hungry to do well." The coach informed that Jasprit Bumrah, as the designated vice-captain, will lead the side if in the series-opening Perth Test if Rohit Sharma is unavailable for personal reasons.
He also said the team has options in KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran for the opener's slot.
(With PTI inputs)
Gautam Gambhir
Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma
India Cricket Team
Australia Cricket Team