Wed Oct 16 07:21:33 UTC 2024: ## Gambhir Backs Kohli Ahead of New Zealand Series, Calls Him a “World-Class Player”
**Bengaluru, October 14, 2024:** Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has thrown his weight behind Virat Kohli, expressing confidence that the star batsman will find his form in the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
Gambhir, speaking to reporters on Sunday, lauded Kohli as a “world-class cricketer” who has consistently delivered for India over a prolonged period. He dismissed the need to judge Kohli’s form on a match-by-match basis, emphasizing that every player goes through periods of ups and downs.
“My thoughts on Virat have always been clear. He’s a world-class player and has performed brilliantly for India for years,” Gambhir said. “He has that hunger for runs, which he displayed even during his debut. That hunger made him the world-class player he is. I remember batting with him during his debut against Sri Lanka – that hunger for runs is still there. I’m confident he will deliver in the New Zealand series and carry that momentum into the Australia series.”
The coach also pointed out the significance of bowlers in the modern era, stating that while batters can score 1000 runs, it doesn’t guarantee a team victory. However, a bowler taking 20 wickets in a series could almost guarantee a win.
The first Test of the series between India and New Zealand is scheduled to begin in Bengaluru on October 16th, followed by matches in Pune on October 24th and Mumbai on November 1st.
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