Former India player and BJP MP, Gautam Gambhir, has stunned everyone with his comments for Virat Kohli after the latter played a record-equalling knock against South Africa on Sunday. India defeated South Africa by 243 runs after the Proteas were bowled out for just 89 runs.
Gambhir, who had famously fought with Kohli during an IPL match earlier this year, was commentating while the former India skipper was batting along with Shreyas Iyer. After India lost their second wicket, Kohli and Iyer batted sensibly to build a partnership and added 130 runs for the third wicket. This was key to India’s mammoth total of 326-5 in 50 overs. Kohli went on to score and unbeaten knock of 101 as he equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries in One Day Internationals.
Gambhir, who often faces flak from Kohli fans, could not hide his admiration for his former India teammate. Addressing his fellow commentator, Gambhir said, “See Jatin, you said that Rohit Sharma was batting at a different planet. I feel that Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer were batting at a different planet today. Rohit Sharma had got the opportunity to bat at the easiest of times.”
This Gambhir argued was due to the fact that the pitch at Eden Gardens made batting relatively easy against fast bowlers. Sharma made 40 runs from 24 balls when South African fast bowlers were in action.
The wicket became difficult as soon as spinners were deployed by South Africa. Keshav Maharaj was unplayable as he conceded only 30 runs in his 10 overs. India had scored 91 runs in the first 10 overs but could only manage 85 runs in the next 20 overs. This was because both Indian players found the going tough against two South African spinners namely Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi.
Gambhir said that while Maharaj only took one wicket, but he made it difficult for Indian players to score runs freely.
Gambhir’s praise for Kohli evoked strong reactions on social media. One Kohli fan wrote sarcastically, “Can’t Imagine Rohit Fans Situation now 🥹. Their Father Itself Ditched Them 💔. Not Good Gambhir. Not Good.” Another commented, “I feel what gambhir speaks is on merits so we should respect his analysis and react on it.”
“Gambhir is just straightforward and honest. India me aadat nahi he aise logo ko sun ne ki,” wrote another fan.
Both India and South Africa have qualified for the semi-finals. Top four teams in the points table will reach the semi-finals.