Former India opener Sunil Gavaskar went down memory lane to recall the moments of Virat Kohli’s debut test match as the 33-year old is all set to play his 100th Test match starting on Friday. Kohli made his Test debut against West Indies in Jamaica in June 2011. However, it was a forgettable series for him as he could score only 76 runs in the 3-match series.
And he was dropped for the next series against England. Eventually, he made a comeback in the home series against West Indies in which he scored twin fifties and never looked back since.
Speaking to Sports Today, Sunil Gavaskar recalled his debut series when he faced a tough time against Fidel Edwards.
“It has been a fabulous journey. Even in his debut series, he wasn’t afraid to take on the opposition. I don’t know how many of you recall when way back in 2011, he made his Test debut. Fidel Edwards was bouncing him and he was ducking them. After that Edwards stared at Virat and Kohli in return was blowing kisses to him through the grille of the helmet.
“For a newcomer to be dealing that way with one of the fastest bowlers in the world – Fidel Edwards was quick. He was 145 plus – that told you about the young man’s belief in himself and the guts that he showed. Since then, it has only been an upward curve as far as his career is concerned,” Sunil Gavaskar said.
“Virat Kohli’s overall consistency has been remarkable”- Sunil Gavaskar
Gavaskar also stressed that lack of hundred from him is not a problem since he is consistently scoring 70s and 80s
“I think his overall consistency has been remarkable. He just had a blip in 2014 but apart from that he hasn’t had a bad series at all which is remarkable. Because he hasn’t had ordinary series. He has had an excellent, very good or good series. Although he hasn’t got hundreds of late, he has got the 70s and 80s,” he added.
Gavaskar also welcomed BCCI’s decision to allow a 50% crowd for the first test match. Earlier it was scheduled to play behind closed doors.
“I would think that the situation changed. It was a question of the general interest of the majority. We have seen that despite allowing crowds, hardly anybody is wearing masks. So we are not taking care. And that was the worry when there was news that Mohali had some cases.
“That is why perhaps there were no crowds allowed. But now it seems that the situation has improved and 50 percent more people are coming in. This is fantastic news because any performer wants to perform in front of the crowd, where he will be appreciated,” Gavaskar further added.
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