While briefing the press conference after the culmination of the penultimate One-day International (ODI) of India vs New Zealand 2019 series, the paceman for the Men in Blue, Bhuvneshwar Kumar termed the loss as a ‘reality check’. He asserted the players are not aiming to rely solely on their skipper Virat Kohli.
“We always don’t want to depend on him,” Bhuvneshwar said on Thursday (January 31).
The 29-year-old Bhuvneshwar revealed they miss the batting giant Kohli big time.
Bhuvneshwar happy for Gill’s inclusion:
However, he’s equally happy to see a teenager in Shubman Gill making it to the playing XI for the penultimate ODI which hosts convincingly won by eight wickets in Hamilton, as hosts chased the paltry target of 93 runs in 14.4 overs with the loss of two wickets.
Concurrently, Kohli is enjoying the time-off following a gruelling cricketing schedule.
The 30-year-old modern-day star will make his return for the home-bound ODI series against Australia, before leading the Men in Blue in the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar also bats for Gill following a debut at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
The 19-year-old right-handed batsman Gill has shown the promise in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup under the leadership of Prithvi Shaw on New Zealand shores.
“See you always miss him (Kohli) in such kind of wickets but at the same time, it was an opportunity for Shubman Gill who came in his place,” Bhuvneshwar added.
Many have been in awe of Kohli’s prominence with the bat, and his consistency has reaped the rewards for India.
Recently, Kohli led India in a historic Test series victory over Australia by 2-1, and it was followed by 2-1 ODI series triumph.
Kohli has been exceptional: Bhuvneshwar
Bhuvneshwar remarked Kohli has had done exceedingly well as a leader apart from batting. He has certainly been a man to look at in the precarious situations.
“What he (Kohli) has done is amazing,” Bhuvneshwar on Kohli’s reign.
Classic in his approach, Kohli appearance in the team is enough to send shivers down the spine of opposition. So far, Kohli has featured in 222 ODIs, 77 Tests and 65 Twenty20 Internationals. In 2008, he made his international debut against Sri Lanka National Cricket Team at Dambulla.
Kohli has slammed 64 centuries and 69 half-centuries across.