Virat Kohli, Not Mahendra Singh Dhoni, is India's Best Finisher: Gautam Gambhir
Virat Kohli is a better finisher than Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir opined. He also advised the Indian ODI and Twenty20I captain to decide on his batting position and not experiment too much
Mahendra Singh Dhoni may be considered by many as world's best finisher, but Gautam Gambhir feels it is Virat Kohli who deserves the tag of India's best finisher. (Asia Cup: Mahendra Singh Dhoni Praises 'Consistent' Virat Kohli After Pakistan Victory)
"It's a tag given by the media. Virat is a finisher for me. An opener can also be your finisher. It's not necessary that a finisher would be your number 6 or 7 batsman," Gambhir said. (ICC World Twenty20: India to Open vs New Zealand in Nagpur on March 15 - Full Schedule)
In fact, Gambhir went on to state that Dhoni should be clear about where he wants to bat in the order.
"We have heard him saying that he wants to bat up the order. He has to decide where he wants to bat. What is better for him," he said, adding that the wicketkeeper-batsman is best suited for number six or seven.
He also said that a captain is only as good as the team he leads. "If only good captaincy wins you World Cups, we would have won more World Cups. We have won only three. A captain can only plan, but the other 10 players have to go out and execute," he explained.
Talking about the T20 World Cup starting on Tuesday, the Delhi left-hander said it will be crucial for India to have Yuvraj Singh in good form. "Yuvi has to be at his best."
On to his own approach to the game, Gambhir said he likes to maintain a calm demeanour but would not shy away from a showdown should the need arise. The fiery left-hander was seen arguing with Virat Kohli during the 2013 Indian Premier League season.
"No one should take comments made on cricket field, personally," he said. "I am not there for friendships. If I have to argue again, I won't be shy. It does not make a difference to me who is playing on other side, whether it is MS (Dhoni) or Virat. If I am captain, the way I play, my team will play the same. If I am subdued, my team will also be subdued. The way the captain plays, the team plays."
© PTI
New Zealand tough team to beat
Speaking of the T20 World Cup, Gambhir said New Zealand will be a tough team to beat even without the recently-retired Brendon McCullum.
He also said that playing Australia was actually a bigger challenge than competing against Pakistan even though the clash between the two Asian neighbours is more hyped.
"If you beat Australia in a knockout match, it is likely that you will win the World Cup. Playing them is tougher than playing Pakistan."