Gautam Gambhir Issues Stern Warning To New Zealand Regarding ‘Hungry’ Virat Kohli Ahead Of IND vs NZ Tests

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed Virat Kohli, who has not scored a single Test fifty in 2024, ahead of the India vs New Zealand Tests.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has thrown his weight behind batter Virat Kohli ahead of the three-match India vs New Zealand Test series, starting October 16. Virat Kohli has been struggling to score significant runs in the longer format of the game recently. Kohli has so far played three Tests in 2024 and is yet to score a fifty. However, despite big runs not coming from Kohli’s bat, Gambhir still believes he is a ‘world-class’ batter

In the recent two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home, India convincingly defeated the Bangla Tigers. However, in that series as well, Kohli’s highest score was only 47. Kohli scored 6, 17, 47 and 29 not out in his four innings. 

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'He Is A World-Class Cricketer' Says Gambhir For Kohli

Gambhir, speaking ahead of the IND vs NZ Test series, expressed that Kohli is a world-class batter and he is as hungry for runs as he was when he made his debut for India.

"See, my thoughts about Virat have always been very clear. He is a world-class cricketer. He has performed for such a long time. He is as hungry as when he made his debut," Gautam Gambhir said as quoted by PTI.

Gambhir also recalled opening the batting with Kohli during the latter’s debut in Sri Lanka and noted that his constant hunger for runs is what makes him a world-class cricketer.

"I remember opening the batting with him when he made his debut in Sri Lanka to now, his hunger is always there. That’s what makes him a world-class cricketer. I am sure he will be hungry to get runs in this series, and probably moving forward to Australia as well. Once he gets into the run-scoring form, how consistent he can be. He will be looking forward to these three Tests and the series in Australia," Gambhir added.

Gambhir emphasised that not every player has their best days and highlighted the team's supportive atmosphere. He stated that his role is to back the players and select the best playing 11 without dropping anyone. 

"Everyone doesn't have the best days everyday. I think the kind of vibe we have is we keep backing our players. My job is to keep backing the players. My job is to keep selecting the best playing 11, not dropping anyone. I'm sure everyone is hungry and they know there are eight Test matches in a row. So, this is probably the start of them looking at eight Test matches in a row and performing well," said Gambhir.